Spain proved once more that they are capable of winning even when their display is below their standard, fighting back to defeat Croatia 2-1 in Split. Mikel Merino found the net twice, including the decisive late goal, as the world champions booked their spot in the quarter-finals and ended the international break with four wins from four.
The outcome also stretched Spain’s unbeaten streak to 42 matches, though their defensive record raised one issue for Luis de la Fuente. Spain conceded in all four games during the break, a clear contrast with their World Cup campaign, when they let in only one goal.
Spain gets past Croatia test
Croatia came into the match eager to respond after heavy losses to Spain and England. Spain had defeated them 4-1 in Seville, while England had then recorded a historic 7-0 win, but the home team showed from the first whistle that they were not ready to fall apart again.
For 45 minutes, Croatia created serious problems for Spain. The visitors struggled to settle into their game and went into the break 1-0 behind, while Croatia played with the intensity expected from a side determined to answer recent results.
The Croatian team continued to lean on the experience and character of a generation long led by Luka Modric. Spain, in the meantime, looked much less convincing than usual and had to produce a response after the interval.
Mikel Merino changes the game
Spain were better after half-time and finally equalised through Merino. The midfielder has become an increasingly decisive figure for his country when matches reach their closing stages, and he delivered again when Spain needed him.
Croatia had a chance to regain the lead when a mistake by Zubimendi gave Ivan Perisic a major opportunity. Unai Simón, who had appeared uncertain in the first half, reacted at the key moment and used his foot to stop Croatia from making it 2-1.
That save proved especially important as the momentum of the match started to change. Perisic was later shown a second yellow card, leaving Croatia with ten men and giving Spain the opening they needed to complete the comeback.
Spain seals quarter-final spot
Spain finally made the most of their numerical advantage in the 88th minute. Merino appeared again, this time scoring the goal that completed the turnaround and turned what had seemed like a frustrating night into another victory.
Merino’s sense of timing has become a defining part of his recent performances for Spain. Born in Pamplona, the midfielder was compared to the precision of a Swiss watch, arriving exactly when his team needed him and delivering as the clock was running down.
The comeback means Spain ended the extended international break with a perfect record of four victories. They also preserve their remarkable 42-game unbeaten run and advance to the quarter-finals.
Spain’s unbeaten run comes with a warning
Even with the perfect results, there is one detail that will give De la Fuente something to think about. Spain conceded in each of their four matches during the international break, a defensive trend that stands out against their record at the World Cup.
Across the entire World Cup, Spain conceded only once. Their ability to keep winning despite allowing goals has therefore become an important contrast with the defensive solidity they displayed during that tournament.