Spain progressed to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, overcoming a late scare in Extra Time. La Roja dominated large parts of the match and broke through in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, capitalizing on a sharp passing move involving Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo.
BELGIUM showed resilience, pulling one back before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross to end Spain’s disciplined defensive record. Despite a dominant first half, Spain faced pressure in the closing stages, with Belgium creating chances that nearly found the net.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s midfield was stretched early due to Youri Tielemans’ hamstring injury during warm-up and Amadou Onana’s season-ending ACL injury in the tournament’s preceding round. The Red Devils relied heavily on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, whose introductions added creativity but couldn’t prevent Spain’s sustained pressure.
Spain’s control began with Ruiz and Rodri dictating tempo, while Lamine Yamal tested Thibaut Courtois with early shots. The breakthrough came when Porro’s clever backheel set up Olmo, whose shot was parried but rebound-killed by Ruiz. The goal sparked Spain’s dominant spell in the Belgian half, witnessed by a star-studded audience including Brad Pitt and Penelope Cruz.
BELGIUM responded before the break, with De Bruyne’s incisive pass finding Castagne, whose cross was met deftly by De Ketelaere to level the score. It was Spain’s first concession of the tournament.
Post-halftime, Yamal grew into the game, linking dangerously with Mikel Oyarzabal, while Courtois made key saves despite appearing uncomfortable. Substitute Romelu Lukaku’s introduction added late threat, but Spain weathered the storm until substitute Merino’s decisive goal in the 88th minute.
After Cubarsi’s close-range shot was mishandled by replacing goalkeeper Lammens, Merino pounced on the rebound to seal the win — his second consecutive late strike, following his goal against Portugal in the Round of 16. Despite late chances from Saelemaekers and Lukaku, Belgium were left devastated as Courtois consoled the rookie Lammens.
For Spain, relief and celebration followed, now setting their sights on a showdown with France in the semi-finals.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
