UEFA Nations League - Merino scores as Spain draws 2-2 with Netherlands

The first round of the UEFA Nations League A quarter-finals in the 2024/25 season ushered in the battle. The "Bullfighters" Spain, who went to play away, took the lead with Nico Williams' goal, but conceded a goal later. However, with Merino scoring a goal in the final stage, they finally drew 2-2 with the "Orange Army" Netherlands.

Three minutes into the match, the Netherlands took the initiative to create an opportunity. Frimpong passed the ball from the right to the penalty area. Gakpo stopped the ball and shot over the defense, but the ball was kicked high. In the 9th minute, Yamal intercepted the ball and immediately passed it horizontally. Nico Williams took Pedri's pass and turned and shot low, helping Spain open the scoring with a 1-0 lead.

In the 19th minute, Spain started to pass the ball, Cucurella sent a cross from the left, Morata headed the ball against the defense, but the ball missed the post. In the 21st minute, the Netherlands got a corner kick opportunity, Van Dijk received Hetereiida's header and volleyed, but the ball went directly over the post.

In the 28th minute, the Dutch attack was cleared, but Kluivert got the ball and shook off the defense and passed it horizontally. The unguarded Gakpo seized the opportunity and shot into the goal, helping the Netherlands to tie the score 1-0. In the 33rd minute, Gakpo sent a through ball, but when Depay was about to receive the ball, the ball was intercepted by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.

In the 40th minute, Spanish defender Pau Kuwarsi was injured and was replaced by Dean Huisen. Then, the Netherlands attacked with a free kick. Van Dijk headed the ball and Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon immediately flew to catch the ball. In the 42nd minute, the Netherlands continued to attack. Reinders at the top of the penalty area met the ball and shot, but the ball missed the post.

At the beginning of the second half, Frimpong dribbled into the penalty area and passed the ball back, and Reinders shot directly into the goal, helping the Netherlands to overtake 2 to 1. In the 51st minute, Kluivert received a cross pass from his teammate outside the penalty area and adjusted a few steps before shooting from a distance, but the ball was kicked high.

In the 60th minute, the Netherlands continued to create offensive opportunities. Gakpo stopped the ball and shot at the top of the penalty area, but the ball was caught by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. In the 78th minute, Xavi Simmons received a cross from Frimpong and shot at the goal, but was blocked by the opponent.

In the 82nd minute, Lenormand was brought down by Jorel Harto in a fight for the ball, and the referee showed Jorel Harto a red card for this, and the Netherlands could only hold on with 10 players. In the 86th minute, Nico Williams dribbled the ball and broke through the defense to shoot, but the Dutch goalkeeper Feb Brühen flew over and confiscated the ball.

In the second half stoppage time, Nico Williams got the ball and shot low over the defense, but it was saved by Dutch goalkeeper Feb Bruggen. Merino then made a follow-up shot and scored, helping Spain to tie the score at 2-2.

In the end, Spain drew 2-2 with the Netherlands away from home.