FIFA World Cup 2026: San Fermin festivities brings luck, admits Spain's pre-quarters hero Mikel Merino
Dallas, July 7
Spain and Arsenal star Mikel Merino, who scored the quarterfinal berth-sealing goal for the national side in the the Round of 16 against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, was captured in a celebratory mode in the changing room, saying that playing around the traditional 'San Fermin' festivities brings him luck and it seems that he is specialised in scoring crucial goals for his side.
The Portugal-Spain FIFA World Cup showdown featuring a subplot of generational battle between 18-year-old Lamime Yamal and 41-year-old Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo saw a lot of chances going to waste, with players across both sides failing to capitalise, with some top-notch defending witnessed. However, it was stoppage time 91st-minute strike by Merino, which showed Portugal the door again and ended Cristiano's FIFA WC career without a title.
Speaking in a video posted by Spain Football's official Instagram, he said that playing around the 'San Fermin' festival, which takes place from July 6 to 14 in Spain in honour of Saint Fermin, the patron saint and first bishop of Pamplona, Spain, brings him luck.
The festival is known for featuring energetic street parties, music and 'Running of the Bulls' ritual.
"Last minute... it is crazy! Crazy, truly I do not know. San Fermin protects me or something, but every time it is the 6th or near the festivities, I have that luck. Very happy."
On being asked if he has taken a specialisation in scoring important goals, he said, "It seems so, it seems so. It is what happens when you're prepared, you are looking forward to helping, and they give you the opportunity. So, well, I scored it, but it was also thanks to the good work of all my teammates," he signed off.
Spain will now play the winner of the US-Belgium last 16 clash in the quarterfinals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Merino's goal was pure class at 91st minute! 🇪🇸 The running of the bulls and San Fermin - I've seen videos on Instagram, it's wilder than our Holi! But honestly, Spain needs to finish better in open play. Ronaldo's exit is sad, but football moves on. Quarterfinals against US or Belgium - Spain better bring more than superstition! 🐂⚽
These European footballers and their festivals - Merino saying San Fermin brings luck is like our Indian players claiming Ganesh Chaturthi boosts their performance. But credit where it's due, that goal was clutch. Portugal wasted too many chances, simple as that. Yamal vs Ronaldo was overhyped though - the kid's 18, calm down. Spain needs better finishing or they won't win the Cup.
As someone who watches La Liga regularly, Merino is underrated - always shows up in big moments. The San Fermin connection is funny but hey, if it works, it works! India should take notes - our football needs players who can score crucial goals, not just rely on Sunil Chhetri. Japan and South Korea are light-years ahead. 😤
Ronaldo's World Cup journey ending like this - makes you emotional even as a neutral Indian fan. 😢 That said, Merino's header was textbook. The running of the bulls festival is crazy though, can't believe that's a real thing. Spain should focus more on converting chances instead of luck. Still, exciting quarterfinals ahead! Vamos España! 🇪🇸
J James A