Mikel Merino was the hero again as Spain went through to the semi-finals.
It is the second consecutive knockout game in which he has come off the bench and scored a match-winning goal.
Against Portugal, he replaced Dani Olmo in the 85th minute and converted five minutes later.
Against Belgium, same substitution, same story. Nine minutes of football across the two games, plus stoppage time. Two massive goals. Spain are in the last four.
How big can a fit Mikel Merino be for Arsenal next season after his heroics for Spain?
He is the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute.
That is despite once being doubtful to even make the tournament after suffering a stress fracture of his foot with Arsenal in January.
Former England midfielder Joe Cole has a clear message for the Arsenal midfielder.
Joe Cole says Mikel Merino must demand a starting place from Luis de la Fuente
Speaking on Merino’s impact on The Rest Is Football on Netflix, Cole said, “If I’m Merino, the first thing I’m doing is I’m knocking on the gaffer’s door.
“I’m not even giving him an option. I’m going, ‘Gaffer, where am I starting in the semi-final?’ Put it on him.”
It is hard to argue. Luis de la Fuente has trusted Merino’s impact from the bench, and it has worked spectacularly.
But Spain face William Saliba and France in the semi-finals, who are touted as the favourites to win the tournament.
De la Fuente may need Merino for longer than nine minutes this time.
Mikel Merino is a man made for big moments
Merino has a knack for these huge match-defining moments.
Ten of his eleven Premier League goals for Arsenal have been game-state changing — the highest rate in the squad.
His club teammate Bukayo Saka recently praised how Merino fought back from injury to reach this World Cup and deliver on the biggest stage.
And with Trossard seemingly on his way out of the Emirates, Merino has quietly become the team’s go-to player for the most important moments.
Who knows what impact he could have made had he been fully fit for the Champions League final in May.
He started just one game at this tournament. He has dragged Spain into the semi-finals almost single-handedly. Cole is right, he deserves to start.
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