Spain Secures Nations League Quarter-Finals Spot with Merino's Brace Against Croatia
Mikel Merino's two goals turned the match around as Spain defeated 10-man Croatia 2-1 in Split, earning them a spot in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
Croatia, who suffered a significant loss to England previously, took the lead in the 17th minute. Ivan Perišić scored on the rebound after Unai Simón saved Igor Matanović's attempt, following a play initiated by Mateo Kovačić.
Matanović had opportunities to extend Croatia's lead, but Simón made crucial saves. Spain struggled to respond initially.
Luis de la Fuente brought Mikel Merino on for Alex Baena at halftime. This substitution proved decisive.
Merino equalized shortly after the hour mark, finishing calmly into the bottom-left corner from a Dani Olmo pass.
Simon again intervened, saving Perišić's shot after a defensive error by Martin Zubimendi.
Croatia's task became harder with 11 minutes left when Perišić received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella.
Spain capitalized on the man advantage. Merino controlled a lofted pass from Zubimendi, turned, and struck an unstoppable shot past Dominik Livaković to win the game.
With four wins from four matches and a nine-point lead over third-place Croatia in Group 3, Spain is guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals with two matches still to play.
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