Mikel Merino Creates FIFA World Cup History With Back-To-Back Match-Winning Goals For Spain

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium. Introduced as an 86th-minute substitute, Merino struck two minutes later to send Spain into the semifinals, where they will face France.

The 30-year-old had also netted the winning goal as a substitute in Spain’s 1-0 Round of 16 triumph over Portugal.

Merino became the first player to score match-winning goals as a substitute in two different World Cup knockout matches and the first Spaniard to score two match-winning goals after the 80th minute.