Spain’s Merino nets twice to avoid Croatia shock and maintain perfect start

Mikel Merino turns game for Spain in Croatia to maintain their 100 percent group-stage record in UEFA Nations League.Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026Mikel Merino hit a brace to help World Cup winners Spain seal qualification in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Croatia on Tuesday.Ivan Perisic put hosts Croatia ahead but substitute Merino equalised for Spain early in the second half.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘Everyone knew’: Canada boss Marsch wants Man City relegated for breacheslist 2 of 4Djokovic wins China Open after de Minaur retires, Alcaraz wins Japan Openlist 3 of 4Man City’s Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest US international goalscorerlist 4 of 4Tennis: World number one Sinner will not play in 2026 due to knee injuryend of listPerisic was sent off with 10 minutes remaining for a second yellow card and Merino helped Spain capitalise with a fine finish to reach the last eight with two matches to spare.Spain now has 42nd consecutive games without suffering defeat and lead England by three points at the top of Group A3.Slaven Bilic’s Croatia were crushed 7-0 by England on Saturday, in front of a crowd of children as home fans were banne...