Spainsh head coach hails Mikel Merino for being impact sub in win over Belgium

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ruiz-fabian/l6HSH2Uo/"]Fabian[/a], a surprise starter after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/pedri/baBG8QuI/"]Pedri[/a] dropped to ‌the bench, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/belgium-GbB957na/spain-bLyo6mco/?mid=MHGPEKi5"]opened the scoring[/a] before [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/merino-mikel/QFt86bm1/"]Merino[/a] came on after ‌86 minutes and struck two minutes later, pouncing when substitute goalkeeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/lammens-senne/UFssg7X4/"]Senne Lammens[/a] ‌failed to hold [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/cubarsi-pau/UgTrNwCF/"]Pau Cubarsi[/a]'s low strike.[/p][p]It was the third ‌time Merino had scored a knockout winner as a substitute under De la Fuente, after his late extra-time goal against hosts [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a] in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals ‌and his late strike versus [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] in the ⁠last 16 at this World Cup.[/p][p]"[b]It's ‌unfair that Mikel doesn't play from the start, but it would also be ​unfair if someone else were left out,[/b]" [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/de-la-fuente-luis/OdRnqAIc/"]de la Fuente[/a] told reporters.[/p][p]"[b]Only 11 can play, and they understand that - the ​role they have to play at any given moment. When they take to the pitch, they know what they have to do; that's ⁠why it's a pleasure ​to be their manager.[/b]"[/p][embed guid="c5565644-a5dc-48fa-8075-7297f117ebef" url="https://x.com/Flashscorecom/status/2075686533261086782?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]De la Fuente stressed that European champions [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a]'s run to the last four was built on collective responsibility rather than individual roles.[/p][p]"[b]What matters is the team[/b]," he said. "[b]It doesn't matter who starts the match. ‌Everyone is important, even those who haven't played.[/b]"[/p][p]Asked how he keeps players content despite fierce competition for places, De la Fuente praised their maturity and professionalism.[/p][p]"[b]One of our strengths as a team is that we have not only the best players in the world – which they are – but also the best people, people who make it easier for everyone to get on together[/b]," De la Fuente said.[/p][p]"[b]So we shouldn't be surprised that they understand their roles, because I believe this ‌is possible in any field, in any profession. It's on the basis ​of respect that we build everything, and this national team is ‌also an example of that[/b]."[/p][p]Spain face tournament favourites [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] on Tuesday for a place in the final, with De la Fuente expecting a demanding contest.[/p][p]"[b]France have already shown some extraordinary, exceptional potential, and so have we,[/b]" he said. "[b]The match is wide open; it ⁠will call for fresh, energetic ⁠players ... but now that we're ‌here, we're going to give it our all.[/b]"[/p]