Spain’s Joyous Journey to the Final
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has opened up about Spain's unforgettable Euro 2024 triumph, revealing that the team was on a cloud of euphoria—until the final against England brought a crushing weight of expectation. In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Merino confessed:
“We were enjoying every minute of Euro 2024 up until the final, we began to feel the pressure – it was do or die.”
Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain played with a swagger that made them the tournament’s most exciting side. They won all six matches leading to the final, blending youthful exuberance from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams with the steel of Rodri in midfield. Merino, often an impact substitute, played a crucial role, none more so than his 119th-minute winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals — a goal that sent a nation into raptures.
From Freedom to Fear: The Final Shift
But the final in Berlin was different. “Up until that point, we were just playing with freedom, like kids in the park,” Merino recalled. “Then suddenly it’s a final, and you know one mistake can end the dream. The pressure was immense.” After Nico Williams gave Spain the lead, Cole Palmer’s equaliser for England ramped up the tension. Merino, who came on in the 65th minute, described it as “the most intense 25 minutes of my career.” It was substitute Mikel Oyarzabal who scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, securing a 2-1 victory and Spain’s fourth European crown.
Merino’s Rise as a Cult Hero
Merino’s tournament was defined by that dramatic header in Stuttgart. “I didn’t even think — I just threw myself at the ball,” he said. “When I saw it hit the net, time stopped. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.” The goal instantly made him a national treasure and highlighted the depth of Spain’s squad. For de la Fuente, Merino’s readiness from the bench became a tactical weapon, and the player is now firmly established as a key figure for both club and country.
Key Takeaways
- Spain’s carefree style evaporated in the final, replaced by a “do or die” mentality, according to Mikel Merino.
- Merino scored the quarter-final winner against Germany, etching his name in Spanish football folklore.
- The final against England was a tense affair, with Spain prevailing 2-1 thanks to a late Oyarzabal goal.
- Merino’s interview provides rare insight into the psychological toll of a major final.
Quick Facts
Player: Mikel Merino
Club: Arsenal
National Team: Spain
Euro 2024 Appearances: 7 (all as substitute)
Key Moment: 119th-minute winner vs Germany (QF)
Final Score: Spain 2-1 England
