Spain’s Mikel Merino seized on a spilled save to clinch a dramatic late victory over Belgium, sending Luis de la Fuente’s side into the World Cup semifinals.
Spain broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a rebound after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a save.
Throughout the first half, Spain’s attack, led by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal on the right flank, repeatedly threatened, with the winger cutting inside and narrowly missing the target.
Belgium responded just eleven minutes later, equalising through a Charles De Ketelaere header, which marked Spain’s first goal concession of the tournament and left the teams level at 1-1 at halftime.
Coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Pedri and Ferran Torres early in the second half in an effort to revitalize the attack, yet Spain appeared to lose impetus.
The match produced late drama, however.
In the 71st minute, Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury, and was replaced by Senne Lammens. As the game seemed poised for extra time, Lammens failed to secure a Pau Cubarsí strike from outside the box, allowing Mikel Merino to finish the loose ball and score the decisive goal, making it 2-1.
Spain will now face Didier Deschamps’ France — widely regarded as the tournament’s standout performer to date — in a semifinal clash in Dallas on Tuesday.
Should they progress to the final, they could meet England, Norway, Argentina, or Switzerland, with England scheduled to play Norway in Miami on Saturday and Lionel Messi’s Argentina taking on Switzerland in Kansas City.
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