Mikel Merino Brace Sends Spain Into Knockouts After Croatia Comeback
Spain recovered from an early setback to beat Croatia 2-1 at Stadion Poljud, with Mikel Merino scoring twice after the interval to maintain La Roja’s flawless start in Group A3. The result confirms Spain’s place in the knockout rounds and keeps Luis de la Fuente’s side first in the section after four wins from four.
Spain secure progress after Split comeback
| Match | Result | Spain scorers | Key incident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia vs Spain, Stadion Poljud | Croatia 1-2 Spain | Mikel Merino (2) | Ivan Perisic sent off, 79th minute |
Spain required only a draw to make certain of qualification, but Croatia began with far greater urgency as they sought a response following their heavy loss to England. The home team won the early duels and repeatedly disrupted Spain’s usual control of the ball.
Unai Simon made an important close-range stop from Josip Stanisic’s header before denying Igor Matanovic with another sharp save. Spain could not clear the danger, however, and Ivan Perisic nodded in the loose ball in the 17th minute to give Croatia the lead.
Croatia’s midfield of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Kristijan Jakic restricted the space available to Pedri, while Spain increasingly looked to Lamine Yamal and Pubill down the right. Yamal went close before half-time when Pedri released him, but his effort struck the side netting and Spain went into the break behind.
Merino changes the match
De la Fuente made his intervention at half-time, replacing Alex Baena with Merino. The change added more power and forward running to the Spanish midfield, and the visitors steadily forced Croatia back towards their own penalty area.
Spain levelled when Stanisic’s clearance dropped to Dani Olmo on the edge of the box. Olmo could not create room for a shot, but he found Merino, who finished calmly to restore parity.
The balance shifted decisively as Croatia’s high-energy opening began to take its toll. Perisic, already booked for a forceful challenge on Pubill during the first half, received a second yellow card in the 79th minute after bringing down Marc Cucurella.
Simon nevertheless had to remain alert. The goalkeeper had made a significant save from Perisic shortly before the dismissal and later left his area to cut out a dangerous pass aimed at Josko Gvardiol.
With the extra player, Spain controlled the final phase and Merino delivered the winning moment near the end of normal time. He brought the ball down in the area before driving a left-footed effort into the top corner.
Group A3 position strengthened
The victory leaves Spain on a perfect four-match record at the top of Group A3. Their remaining November fixtures can now be used to continue shaping the squad ahead of next year’s knockout ties.
For Croatia, an encouraging and combative opening ended in disappointment, despite Perisic’s goal and the influence of Modric in what was described as one of his final outings for the national team.
