Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the "insatiable" world champions have no intention of slowing down after coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League, extending their unbeaten streak to 43 games. Mikel Merino emerged from the bench to score twice in the second half as Spain made it four wins from four in the international break to maintain their three point lead over England at the top of Group A3.
In securing another victory, La Roja became just the second nation -- after Argentina in 2022 -- to win four games straight after lifting the World Cup, while they have not tasted defeat since losing to Colombia in a friendly in March 2024.
"The players are ambitious," De la Fuente said. "They are insatiable; they always want more. They don't conform with anything." Spain's run looked in danger in the first half against a Croatia side that started aggressively after losing 7-0 to England. Ivan Perisic gave the hosts a 17th-minute lead, but substitute Merino turned the game in Spain's favour.
Merino levelled in the 61st-minute and then netted the winner in the 89th to continue his remarkable goal scoring form. Four of the Arsenal midfielder's last five goals have come in the 88th minute or later. Spain's perfect run in the September/October international window means they are one of two teams -- alongside Portugal -- to be assured of a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals next year.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing