Spanish newspapers celebrated their country's exciting victory over Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, and qualifying for the golden square.
The Spanish national team defeated its Belgian counterpart 2-1, in the quarter-final round of the 2026 World Cup, on Friday evening, after substitute Mikel Merino scored the killer winning goal in the 88th minute, leading "La Roja" to face France in the semi-finals.
Spanish media unanimously agreed that Merino was the undisputed man of the match, after needing only a few minutes to leave his mark and secure the qualification ticket.
Sport: A miracle from Merino
The newspaper "Sport" described what Mikel Merino did as a "miracle," and its main headline read: "Another miracle from Merino puts Spain in the semi-finals," in reference to the midfielder's appearance in decisive moments and saving his country's national team with a precious goal.
Marca: The superhero
As for the newspaper "Marca," it singled out special praise for the scorer of the winning goal, and published a headline that read: "Superhero Mikel Merino!"
The newspaper pointed out that Merino scored the qualifying goal into the net of substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who came on in the final minutes after Thibaut Courtois suffered an injury.
AS: Two minutes are enough
The newspaper AS focused on Merino's immediate impact after coming on as a substitute, headlining: "Two minutes from Merino are enough."
It explained that the midfielder needed only two minutes since entering the pitch to score the winning goal in the 88th minute, granting Spain a deserved qualification to the semi-final round.
Mundo Deportivo: Merino the savior
For its part, the newspaper Mundo Deportivo mentioned that coach Luis de la Fuente had warned before the match about the strength of the Belgian national team, which was reflected in the course of the match.
The newspaper wrote that Spain suffered greatly against Belgium, before Mikel Merino appeared at the right time and played the role of "savior" by scoring the qualifying goal to the semi-finals.
The Spanish national team is now set to face a strong opponent against France in the semi-final round next Tuesday.
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