Substitute Mikel Merino scored twice as Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2–1 in Split on October 6 and qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Ivan Perišić headed Croatia ahead in the 17th minute. Spain trailed at halftime, but Merino equalized in the 61st minute after Dani Olmo collected a poor clearance and found him inside the area.
Perišić was later sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Marc Cucurella. Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute, controlling Martín Zubimendi’s pass before finishing past Dominik Livaković.
The result gave Spain four wins from four Group A3 games, following its 3–1 victory over Czechia. Luis de la Fuente’s team has won 11 consecutive matches and sits three points ahead of England.
