Oyarzabal and Merino, the Mikels leading Spain’s World Cup charge | OneFootball

Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino have propelled Spain into a World Cup semi-final for only the second time. Oyarzabal struck twice against Austria in the last 32, and Merino hit late winners against Portugal and Belgium in the last 16 and quarter-final.

Diario Vasco notes that the low-profile pair have re-emerged by scoring when it matters, echoing their impact in Spain’s Euros triumph two years ago.

Spain face Didier Deschamps’ France in Dallas on Tuesday, who are chasing a third straight final on Bastille Day. Oyarzabal will stay in the United States for either Sunday’s final in New Jersey or Saturday’s third-place match in Miami.

One question is whether Luis de la Fuente keeps Merino as an impact substitute or starts him. He has played 180 minutes across six appearances, starting only against Uruguay, and settled Portugal and Belgium after cameos of four and five minutes.

Merino scored 27 in 242 matches for Real Sociedad, then 15 in 72 for Arsenal. For Spain he has 12, 10 since leaving Anoeta.

Oyarzabal’s surge reads 17 goals and six assists in his last 19 Spain games, and 18 for Real this season. He remains one of De la Fuente’s trusted forwards for France.

He now has 29 in 57 caps, his Austria double moving him past Fernando Morientes and level with Fernando Hierro in sixth, six behind David Silva on 35.

Source: Diario Vasco