Merino rescues draw for holders Spain against Netherlands
Agency :
Spain snatched a stoppage-time equalizer against 10-man Netherlands to secure a 2-2 draw on Thursday that kept up a two-year unbeaten streak and gave the holders the advantage in their Nations League quarter-final tie.
Substitute Mikel Merino, a makeshift striker at club level for Arsenal, proved his ability in front of goal for his country too with a close-range finish three minutes into added time.
The Dutch had fought back after going behind in the ninth minute with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders but finished with 10 men after teenage defender Jorrel Hato was sent off eight minutes from time for a studs-up challenge.
Spain, who had not lost in their previous 21 competitive internationals, opened the scoring through Nico Williams after a fast start to the game.
An error from 19-year-old Hato was snatched upon by Spain’s 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose pass to Pedri in the box was slipped through to Williams who turned to fire it home.
Spain Captain Alvaro Morata had a chance to double the score but his header from Marc Cucurella’s cross went wide.
The Dutch forced their way back with right back Jeremie Frimpong providing the energy to lift the home side as he constantly teased the Spanish defense with his runs down the wing.
The failure of Pau Cubarsi to properly clear Frimpong’s cross saw Justin Kluivert feed Gakpo on the left of the attack and he hammered a shot just inside the goal for a 28th-minute equaliser.
Reijnders shaved the crossbar with a half-volley before finding the net less than a minute into the second half.
Frimpong cut the ball back after another strong run down the flank and Reijnders placed it into the net with a perfectly executed side-footed shot.
Hato’s dismissal, for a challenge on Robin le Normand, handed a late advantage to Spain, who then peppered the Dutch goal before forcing home the equalizer.
Bart Verbruggen proved unable to hold Williams’ shot and Merino had an easy finish to ensure Spain will be favorites for the return leg in Valencia on Sunday.
The winners of the tie take on Croatia or France in the semi-final in June with Croatia 2-0 up from the first leg.