Spain are one step closer to lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in an entertaining quarter-final in Los Angeles on Friday.
Substitute Mikel Merino once again proved Spain’s super-sub, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute winner to send La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France in Dallas.
The victory marks only Spain’s second-ever appearance in a World Cup semi-final since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Fabian Ruiz Breaks the Deadlock
Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle, controlling the tempo with their trademark passing game while Belgium struggled to establish themselves.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal repeatedly caused problems down the right flank, forcing Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into several important saves.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 30th minute.
Pedro Porro’s intelligent cut-back found Dani Olmo, whose low effort was parried by Courtois. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to smash the rebound into the roof of the net and give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
It was a reward for Luis de la Fuente’s decision to start Ruiz, and Spain looked firmly in control.
Belgium Fight Back Through De Ketelaere
Belgium refused to surrender despite spending long periods chasing the ball.
Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Timothy Castagne delivered a superb cross from the right.
Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to power a header beyond Unai Simon in the 41st minute, ending Spain’s remarkable run of more than 10 hours without conceding a goal during the tournament.
The equaliser transformed the contest into a thrilling second-half battle.
Courtois Injury Changes the Game
The second half produced chances at both ends, but Belgium suffered a significant setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois picked up a thigh injury.
The Real Madrid shot-stopper attempted to continue before eventually being replaced by Senne Lammens, leaving the field visibly emotional.
Spain increased the pressure immediately after the substitution, with Belgium retreating deeper as La Roja searched for a winner.
Super-Sub Merino Delivers Again
Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Spain found the decisive moment.
Young defender Pau Cubarsà unleashed a powerful effort from distance that substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens could only parry into danger.
Arriving at exactly the right moment, Mikel Merino fired home the loose ball in the 88th minute despite being clattered by a Belgian defender.
It was another crucial goal from the Arsenal midfielder, who had also come off the bench to score Spain’s winner in the previous round.
Belgium launched one final attack in stoppage time, but Spain held firm to secure another dramatic victory.
Spain Continue Their Winning Mentality
Although Spain have not displayed the free-flowing football many expected in the knockout stages, Luis de la Fuente’s side continue to demonstrate championship qualities.
They have shown resilience, tactical discipline and an impressive ability to produce decisive moments when matches are finely balanced.
Against Belgium, Spain completed over 400 passes compared to Belgium’s fewer than 200 for much of the contest, once again highlighting their dominance in possession.
More importantly, they found another way to win.
France Await in Blockbuster Semi-final
Spain’s reward is a mouth-watering semi-final against France, one of international football’s greatest modern rivalries.
France arrive full of confidence after eliminating Morocco, while Spain continue their pursuit of a second World Cup crown following their triumph in 2010.
With both European giants boasting world-class talent across every position, the semi-final promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
If Spain continue producing late-game heroics and France maintain their ruthless efficiency, Dallas is set to host a World Cup classic.
