CALIFORNIA: Mikel Merino is relishing Spain’s opportunity to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup, although first up is a quarterfinal matchup against Belgium in Inglewood, California, on Friday. Merino played a major role as Spain stayed alive with his stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday. And yet the clutch goal is but one reason the midfielder is appreciative of the moment at hand. Merino nearly missed his World Cup opportunity after a stress fracture and subsequent surgery in late January put his roster spot in doubt.

Spain secured a last-minute 1-0 victory over Portugal, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of achieving World Cup glory.

Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010. La Roja will play either the United States or Belgium on Friday in…