Luis de la Fuente is not the type of coach who likes flowery speeches. In the quarter-final match against Belgium, when Spain needed a moment to make a difference, he only put Mikel Merino on the field and gave a few short instructions. 2 minutes later, the Arsenal midfielder scored the decisive goal, helping La Roja win a ticket to the World Cup semi-finals.
He told me very little. The coach only reminded me to play like a number 10. After the match, he said I had a great performance. That's all" - Merino shared after the match.
Merino is becoming a "super substitute" for the Spanish national team. After the decisive goal against Germany in the EURO 2024 quarter-finals, he continued to make his mark in the 5-4 victory over France in the Nations League, defeating Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and most recently the goal that helped Spain defeat Belgium.
Merino's frequent need to sit on the bench also reflects the admirable depth of La Roja's force. Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and Pedri are all prioritized by De la Fuente in midfield, but the 29-year-old midfielder is always ready to make a difference whenever given the opportunity.
However, Spain has not yet reached their peak form. After the victory over Belgium, Lamine Yamal admitted that the team still has many things to improve.
We have not played to our ability. If we control the ball better, the whole team will create more dangerous opportunities" - the young star of Barcelona shared.
In front of Spain is the ultimate challenge named France in the semi-finals. The confrontation in Dallas is considered a showdown between the two leading candidates for the championship. With Kylian Mbappe's explosive form, many experts assess France as slightly better.
However, Yamal still appeared confident: "This is a match that everyone is looking forward to. In my opinion, these are the two strongest teams in the tournament. But we are not afraid at all. If there is any team confident enough to face France, it is Spain".
The 19-year-old player predicts France will put strong pressure but believes that La Roja is capable of controlling the game with their familiar ball control style.
Recent head-to-head history also brings confidence to Spain. They once defeated France in the EURO 2024 semi-finals thanks to Yamal's brilliant performance and continued to overcome this opponent in the Nations League a year later.
However, the current French team is considered more comprehensive with a fast and powerful attack. Meanwhile, Spain possesses a more flexible midfield, a stable defense and has only conceded one goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Another advantage of La Roja is its experience in conquering major tournaments. Most of the current team won EURO 2024, while only 4 French players were crowned at the 2018 World Cup, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, N'Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez.
I believe France also respects us the way we respect them. Don't forget that Spain has beaten them in the last two encounters.
We are capable of winning. I always have absolute faith in the players and the potential of the team. Of course, ahead is a very strong opponent, but Spain is ready for that challenge" - the Spanish captain added.
