Spanish Subs Combine to Reach Quarterfinals

Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente highlighted a key moment after Portugal's defeat: substitute Merino scored thanks to a brilliant pass from Ferran, which originated from Fabián. This marked the first time since 2014 that a Spanish substitute assisted another substitute in scoring at a World Cup.

The unique situation had occurred only twice before in Spanish national team history - in 2014 when Cesc Fabregas assisted Juan Mata against Australia, and in 1982 when Quini set up Saura against Yugoslavia. chickenroad.qpon