Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals after edging Belgium 2-1 in an absorbing quarterfinal clash in Los Angeles on Friday.
Mikel Merino once again emerged as the match-winner, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal and send La Roja into their first World Cup semifinal in 16 years.
Spain broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Fabian Ruiz finished from close range after Thibaut Courtois could only push away Dani Olmo’s powerful effort.
The move began with Pedro Porro’s low delivery into the box following an impressive burst forward by teenage star Lamine Yamal.
The Red Devils restored parity four minutes before the break as Charles De Ketelaere powered a header beyond Unai Simon from Timothy Castagne’s accurate cross.
The strike halted Spain’s impressive sequence of six straight World Cup clean sheets and ended Simon’s remarkable 650-minute streak without conceding in the tournament.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a blow in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to leave the field through injury after his 21st World Cup appearance.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 88th minute after Pau Cubarsi’s long-range attempt slipped through the hands of substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Merino reacted quickest to convert the loose ball, scoring just two minutes after entering the match.
Spain successfully protected their lead until the final whistle to secure a meeting with France in the World Cup semifinals in Dallas next Tuesday.
The victory also stretched La Roja’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 36 matches, with their last defeat coming against Colombia in an international friendly in 2024.
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