California, July 10 -- Mikel Merino expressed his delight after once again making a decisive impact as a substitute, helping La Roja secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in quarterfinal, according to FIFA.

Merino, who also played a key role as a substitute in Spain's previous knockout victory over Portugal, said he was thrilled with his contributions but admitted that repeating such moments would be difficult.

"It seems like a coincidence, and if you go in prepared, it can happen again. I'm thrilled. I doubt it will happen again, we'll see," Merino said after his match-winning exploits, as quoted by FIFA.

The Spanish midfielder has emerged as an unlikely hero during the knockout stages, p...