Merino brace gives Spain 2-1 comeback win over Croatia

Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split on October 6, with Mikel Merino scoring twice to secure a reported place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. Ivan Perišić put Croatia ahead in the first half, but substitute Merino equalised after the break and scored an 88th-minute winner. Spain’s win made it four victories from four in Group A3, according to match reports. Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute. After goalkeeper Unai Simón saved Igor Matanović’s initial effort, Perišić headed in the rebound. Croatia threatened again before halftime, while Spain also created chances but went into the break trailing. Merino came on at halftime and levelled the score in the 61st minute, finishing after Dani Olmo set him up. Spain pressed for a second goal as the match continued. Croatia’s task became more difficult in the 79th minute, when Perišić was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella. With the match nearing its end, Merino scored again in the 88th minute. Martín Zubimendi supplied the ball, and Merino controlled it before finishing past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.