Merino comeback sends Spain into Nations League quarter-finals

Spain secured qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals by recovering from an early deficit to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split on Tuesday, extending the reigning champions’ perfect start to the competition. Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in the 17th minute, but Mikel Merino changed the match after coming on at half-time. The midfielder equalised in the 61st minute before completing Spain’s comeback with an 88th-minute winner.

The winning move involved Martín Zubimendi, who lifted the ball into the penalty area. Merino brought it under control before turning and firing past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Al Jazeera described the finish as a decisive late strike, while Punch Nigeria reported that it secured Spain’s fourth victory in four Group A3 matches.

Croatia’s chances of holding on were damaged in the 79th minute when Perišić was sent off. He received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, with Punch reporting that the dismissal was confirmed following a VAR review. Al Jazeera likewise placed the sending-off around 10 minutes before the final whistle.

The result capped a strong second-half response from Spain after Croatia had threatened to claim a major result. Al Jazeera reported that goalkeeper Unai Simón had to save from Josip Stanišić and Igor Matanović before Perišić reacted quickest to head in the rebound and put the hosts ahead. Croatia also came close to extending their advantage.

Al Jazeera said Spain were exposed by a loose pass from Simón to Aymeric Laporte, allowing Croatia to intercept, although Simón again denied Matanović. The report portrayed Luka Modrić’s side as the stronger team for much of the opening period. Spain improved after the interval.

Al Jazeera said Merino levelled with a low finish after Dani Olmo, who developed in Croatia as a youngster, supplied the pass. Punch instead highlighted the sustained pressure from the visitors and their ability to turn the game around despite Croatia creating opportunities. Spain had opened the campaign by beating England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and Czechia 3-1, according to Punch.

The victory in Split leaves them at the top of Group A3, with Al Jazeera reporting that they lead England by three points and have gone 42 consecutive matches without defeat. For Croatia, the defeat followed a 7-0 loss to England. Al Jazeera said that match was played before a crowd of children because home supporters had been banned for racism.

Spain, meanwhile, reached the last eight with two group games still remaining, according to Al Jazeera.