SoFi Stadium, United States — Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, as substitute Mikel Merino struck a late winner in the 87th minute.
The goal capped an absorbing quarter-final contest and ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side advanced to face France in Texas on Tuesday, keeping alive their bid for a second World Cup title.
Spain took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished from close range following sustained pressure from La Roja. However, Belgium responded strongly before halftime, with Charles De Ketelaere heading home in the 41st minute to level the scores and end Spain’s impressive 609-minute clean sheet run at the tournament.
The Red Devils were forced into an early reshuffle when captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up, and they suffered a further blow in the second half as star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was substituted in the 71st minute due to injury.
Despite controlling just 32 percent of possession, Belgium mounted a stubborn defensive effort that appeared to be steering the match toward extra time. Yet Spain’s relentless attacking pressure eventually paid dividends three minutes from time, as Merino pounced on a late opportunity to fire past backup keeper Senne Lammens and seal a memorable victory.
The result ends Belgium’s campaign after a spirited showing in the knockout stages, while Spain march on to a high-stakes semi-final clash against France, one of the most anticipated encounters of the tournament.
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