SPLIT: Mikel Merino hit a brace to help World Cup winners Spain seal qualification to the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Croatia on Tuesday.
Ivan Perisic put hosts Croatia ahead but substitute Merino equalised for Spain early in the second half.
Perisic was sent off with 10 minutes remaining for a second yellow card and Merino helped Spain capitalise with a fine finish to reach the last eight with two matches to spare.
"I'm very happy to be able to help the team, another game in which it was my turn to score from the bench," Merino told TVE after helping Spain claim a fourth win from four matches in Group A3.
"I'll go out there with the best possible attitude even while frustrated about not being able to play more... but this team is a family and that always shows."
