Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal in the closing stages of the match.
The result sets up a semi-final against France, with Spain continuing their impressive unbeaten run under head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Spain made a positive start and took the lead midway through the first half following a well-worked team move. The ball was moved quickly through midfield before Fabian Ruiz finished confidently to give his side a deserved advantage.
Belgium responded well and gradually grew into the game. They equalised before half-time when Timothy Castagne delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. It was the first goal Spain had conceded during this World Cup campaign.
The second half was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities but struggling to find the breakthrough. Spain enjoyed more possession, while Belgium remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Belgium were dealt a setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury. Senne Lammens replaced him for the remainder of the match and was called into action on several occasions as Spain increased the pressure during the closing minutes.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí’s shot was not held cleanly by Lammens, allowing Mikel Merino, who had only recently entered the match, to react quickest and convert the rebound from close range.
It was another important contribution from the Spain substitute, who also scored a late winner in the previous round against Portugal. Merino needed just over a minute on the pitch to make the difference, scoring with only his second touch of the game.
Belgium pushed forward in search of an equaliser during stoppage time, but Spain defended well to see out the match and secure their place in the final four.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 36 matches, a sequence that stretches back to March 2023. Since taking charge, Luis de la Fuente has guided Spain through a lengthy run of consistent performances, and his side will now face one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
France await in the semi-finals after progressing from their own quarter-final, with the two European nations set to meet for a place in the World Cup final.
Spain will take confidence from another disciplined display and the strength of their squad, with Merino once again proving decisive after coming off the bench. His ability to make an immediate impact has been valuable throughout the tournament, while Spain’s organised approach and control in possession have made them one of the strongest teams remaining in the competition.
The semi-final against France promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament as both teams aim to secure a place in the World Cup final.