Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in an enthralling quarter-final encounter.
The European giants dominated possession for long periods but had to dig deep before finally breaking Belgian resistance in the closing stages, with Merino once again proving decisive after coming off the bench.
Spain started brightly, controlling the tempo through Rodri and Dani Olmo, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal constantly threatened Belgium’s defence with his pace and dribbling. Belgium, however, remained disciplined and looked dangerous on the counterattack through Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku.
The first clear opportunity fell to Yamal in the 22nd minute, but the winger curled his effort narrowly wide of the far post. Spain continued to press, forcing Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into several saves.
Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Yamal before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Olmo’s first-time effort, but Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound, scrambling the ball home to hand Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
Belgium gradually grew into the contest and found an equaliser four minutes before the break. De Bruyne orchestrated the move, releasing Timothy Castagne down the right flank. The full-back delivered an inviting cross into the box, where Charles De Ketelaere rose ahead of Pau Cubarsí to head past Unai Simón and level the scores at 1-1.
The equaliser gave Belgium renewed confidence heading into half-time after surviving sustained Spanish pressure during the opening period.
Spain resumed the second half with renewed purpose, introducing Pedri and Ferran Torres to inject fresh energy into midfield and attack. Belgium responded with a triple substitution of their own, bringing on Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Joaquín Seys as head coach Rudi Garcia sought to stem Spain’s momentum.
The game developed into an entertaining end-to-end contest. Courtois produced an outstanding save to deny Yamal after the youngster was played through on goal, while at the other end Belgium appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Aymeric Laporte’s header appeared to strike Rodri’s arm.
Belgium suffered a significant setback in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury. The experienced goalkeeper, visibly emotional as he left the pitch, was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Spain continued to pile on the pressure during the closing stages. Nico Williams added fresh impetus after replacing Mikel Oyarzabal, while Rodri increasingly dictated proceedings from midfield as Belgium were pushed deeper into their own half.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute. Rodri’s influence helped launch another Spanish attack before Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort slipped through the grasp of substitute goalkeeper Lammens. Merino, who had only recently entered the match, reacted quickest to the loose ball and calmly slotted home to restore Spain’s advantage.
Belgium pushed forward during seven minutes of added time in search of another equaliser, but Spain defended resolutely to preserve their lead and seal a place in the last four.
Spain’s victory continues their impressive World Cup campaign and sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against France, with Luis de la Fuente’s side now just one win away from reaching the World Cup final.
(The Whistler)
