Spain Secure Nations League Quarter-Finals Berth with Merino's Brace Against Croatia
Mikel Merino's two goals led Spain to a 2-1 comeback win against 10-man Croatia in Split, advancing them to the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Croatia took an early lead in the 17th minute. Ivan Perišić scored from a rebound after Unai Simón saved Igor Matanović's initial shot. Mateo Kovačić's play set up the opportunity.
Matanović missed two chances to extend Croatia's lead, with Simón making key saves. Spain struggled to respond to Croatia's strong start.
Merino, substituted for Alex Baena at halftime, made a significant impact. Luis de la Fuente's substitution proved decisive.
Merino equalized shortly after the hour mark, finishing calmly into the bottom-left corner from Dani Olmo's pass.
Simón then denied Perišić a second goal with a save after a defensive error by Martín Zubimendi.
Croatia's scorer was sent off 11 minutes from full time, receiving a second yellow card for fouling Marc Cucurella.
Spain capitalized on the man advantage. Merino controlled Zubimendi's lofted pass, turned, and fired an unstoppable shot past Dominik Livaković for the winning goal.
Spain leads Group 3 with four wins from four matches, holding a nine-point lead over third-placed Croatia. They have secured a quarter-final spot with two games remaining.
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