Merino: From mobility scooter to World Cup hero in six months

Mikel Merino might have hoped to appear earlier than the 85th minute against Belgium following his match-winning impact from the bench against Portugal. Instead, he had to wait until the 86th. No matter. Another late cameo, another decisive goal.

He is the first player in the history of the World Cup to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute but that doesn't really cover it. Merino was only given nine minutes plus stoppage time across the two games. It was all he needed.