Spain's Merino living wildest dreams with late winners

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Spain's Merino living wildest dreams with late winners

Los Angeles: Mikel Merino, who smashed in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final goal against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, said it was "surreal" to have scored a late winner in two straight knockout games for Spain.

"I couldn't have imagined something like this even in my wildest dreams - another goal in the dying minutes," said Merino, who had already scored in stoppage time in Spain's 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday.

"I thought it would take a long time to repeat a feat like that... and I managed it in the very next game!"

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183917

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3183919

Q-final: Norway 1-2 England (AET)

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Q-final: Norway 1-2 England (AET)

Miami Gardens: Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 win after extra-time on Saturday.

In their first ever quarter-final, Andreas Schjelderup fired Norway into a shock lead in the searing Miami heat.

But Bellingham, who also netted a double in a memorable 3-2 over Mexico in the last 16, produced a moment of magic to equalise just before half-time.

Courtois backs Lammens to bounce back

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Courtois backs Lammens to bounce back

Los Angeles: Thibaut Courtois rallied behind Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens on Friday after the Manchester United stopper's agonising late blunder gifted Spain a 2-1 victory in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final.

Real Madrid star Courtois exited the game in the 71st minute after complaining of a muscular problem, making way for 24-year-old understudy Lammens at the Los Angeles Stadium.

But Lammens' appearance off the bench ended in calamity, when he failed to deal with a long-range strike from Pau Cubarsi, and Mikel Merino pounced to blast in an 88th-minute winner for Spain.

France clash a 'final before the final', says Spain's De la Fuente

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

France clash a 'final before the final', says Spain's De la Fuente

Inglewood: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said on Friday that the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final with France would be "a final before the final".

He said his side, who beat Belgium 2-1 in Friday's quarter-final thanks to an 88th minute Mikel Merino winner in Los Angeles, were "capable of beating any team", including tournament favourites France and red-hot forward Kylian Mbappe.

New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Oeiras: Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team head coach on Friday and he said he would continue to call on veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he is available, insisting the forward will "never" be a problem.

The 41-year-old striker was criticised for his FIFA World Cup 2026 performances under predecessor Roberto Martinez as Portugal were eliminated in the last 16 by Spain.

Ronaldo, who said he has appeared at his last FIFA World Cup, has not decided whether he will continue to play for the national team.

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sao Paulo: Vinicius Junior apologised to Brazilian fans on Friday for the "enormous frustration" caused by their FIFA World Cup 2026 elimination by Norway and promised to "fight" to restore the might of the Selecao.

The five-time world champions were knocked out by upstarts Norway in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 rout.