Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSpains run to the Euro 2024 title was packed with unforgettable moments, whether that was a dazzling attacking display inspired by tournament debutant Lamine Yamal, or dramatic late winners on their way to sealing a second European Championship victory.And while Mikel Merinos extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals sits firmly alongside these tournament highlights, there is also a fascinating subplot attached to the strike that sealed La Rojas place in the final four.For Merino, its a family affair, more than three decades in the making.Merinos goal that connected two generationsThe more that Euro 2024 went on, the more Spain looked like the tournaments standout side, as they mixed technical ability with devastating attacking football. But hosts Germany would provide their toughest test yet in the quarter-finals.With the scores level after 119 gruelling minutes, second-half substitute Merino rose highest from a Dani Olmo cross to head home a late, late winner. You may like We were enjoying every minute of Euro 2024 up until the final, we began to feel the pressure it was do or die Mikel Merino opens up on Spains run to the European Championship 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 It was the best moment in my career, Merino tells FourFourTwo. It was a very tough game against probably the favourites at that stage, playing at home in Stuttgart, with their massive support.Before that, Spain had never beaten a tournament host nation. To be able to help the team in a moment like that, it was special.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.There was added personal significance, too, given Merinos father a former professional footballer himself scored one of the most important goals of his own career in the very same Stuttgart stadium.Angel Miguel Merinos strike helped fire Osasuna to a 3-2 win over the German club in the 1991-92 UEFA Cup.He celebrated by running around the corner flag a gesture imitated by his son at Euro 2024, 33 years later.It was one of the most important goals in his career, and he scored it in that same stadium, Merino smiles.So for me to be able to score there, and celebrate the same way he did, is the highlight of my career so far.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
