Merino double sends Spain past Croatia, into Nations League quarterfinals-Xinhua
MADRID, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Mikel Merino scored twice in the second half as world champion Spain fought back from a goal down to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split on Tuesday. The win extended Spain's unbeaten run to 42 matches and secured its place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with four wins from four group games. Merino provided the goals, while goalkeeper Unai Simon made several crucial saves to keep Spain in the contest. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, responding to his team's humiliating 7-0 defeat to England on Saturday, said he wanted a "game for men" and got the physical response he sought in a robust first half. Although Spain, with Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri in the starting lineup, enjoyed more possession in the opening period, the team was frequently uncomfortable. Si...