Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAs Argentina proved in 2022, to win a major tournament you do not need to be at your best from minute one of the first game.Momentum is often key, as belief and improving performances go hand-in-hand, just as they did for Spain at Euro 2024. That was a squad that grew in confidence as the tournament went on, leading them out of the group stage and into the final against England.For Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, though, as belief grew, so did the pressure.Merino on Spains ability to thrive under pressureMerino came off the bench again in the final, helping play his part as Gareth Southgates side were seen off and Spain crowned European champions. But even he admits it wasnt a vintage display.To be honest, that was probably the game where the pressure got to us, he reflects to FourFourTwo. During the rest of the tournament, we were just enjoying every minute of the camp we built this amazing momentum. You may like I can name the whole Spain squad from the 2010 World Cup they inspired us Mikel Merino on following in the footsteps of Spains Golden Age stars Lamine Yamal has matured a lot since the Euros. Hes probably the best in the world at the minute, but he cant do it on his own Mikel Merino on his game-changing Spain team-mate Declan Rice is a beast Id love to face him or Martin Odegaard at the World Cup Mikel Merino on the prospect of facing his Arsenal team-mates at the World Cup this summer The final was when things changed and we began to think, OK this is a massive fixture and the pressure is big. It was do or die.Before Merinos late introduction, a nervy encounter unfolded, with Nico Williams opener cancelled out in the second half. We played well and took control of the match, but we didnt create the chances to kill them off, he says.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Then the moment came where Cole Palmer scored his equaliser that was tough to swallow.Towards the end of the game, we were really feeling the stress. We were looking around at one another, asking Are they coming back at us now? What if we lose? But football is about how you handle those moments the small details.Our winning goal was maybe just one centimetre from being offside, but Mikel Oyarzabal got his touch at the right moment and we won.While Merino admits to not being much of a party lover, he recalls the celebrations fondly. I remember going home, doing the bus parade with all the fans, he smiles.It was unreal, magical, seeing Madrid full of people wearing Spain shirts and cheering for us. Such positive and unifying vibes. Everyone was just enjoying the achievement laughing, dancing.It was great to see the whole country united.TOPICSSpainWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
