Spain Edge Belgium to Reach the World Cup Semi-Final
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, where they will face France. The match looked set for extra time until substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner in the 88th minute after a costly goalkeeping mistake.
It was another impressive performance from Luis de la Fuente’s side, who controlled most of the game and created far more chances than Belgium. However, the European giants had to work hard before finally sealing their place in the last four.
Fabian Ruiz Gives Spain the Perfect Start
Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle and eventually found the breakthrough in the 30th minute.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an excellent save to deny Dani Olmo, but the rebound fell kindly to Fabian Ruiz, who calmly finished the move. His shot took a slight deflection off Timothy Castagne before finding the back of the net.
The goal rewarded Spain’s attacking pressure and gave them full control of the first half.
Belgium Fight Back Before Half-Time
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium responded with one of their few attacking moves.
Just four minutes before the break, Timothy Castagne delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Charles De Ketelaere timed his run perfectly and headed the ball beyond Unai Simon to make it 1-1.
It was the first goal Spain had conceded during this World Cup campaign and gave Belgium renewed confidence heading into the second half.
Courtois Injury Changes the Match
Belgium suffered two major setbacks during the game.
Captain Youri Tielemans picked up an injury during the warm-up and was replaced before kick-off. Later in the second half, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois injured his thigh after making another important save.
Unable to continue, Courtois left the field in tears. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens came on as his replacement.
The change would prove to be one of the biggest moments of the match.
Mikel Merino Scores Another Late Winner
With extra time approaching, Spain continued to push forward.
In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. Lammens failed to hold the ball, spilling it straight into the path of substitute Mikel Merino.
The Arsenal midfielder reacted quickly and smashed the rebound into the roof of the net to give Spain a dramatic 2-1 lead.
Belgium could not find another equaliser, and Spain celebrated another famous World Cup victory.
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- https://www.fifa.com/
Merino Continues His Super-Sub Heroics
Mikel Merino has become Spain’s ultimate impact substitute during this World Cup.
After scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the Round of 16, he repeated the feat against Belgium with another late strike.
He is now the first Spanish player to score two winning goals after the 80th minute in World Cup matches, underlining his importance in Spain’s knockout campaign.
Spain Deserved the Victory
The final score reflected Spain’s dominance throughout the match.
Match Statistics
- Final Score: Spain 2-1 Belgium
- Shots: Spain 17 | Belgium 5
- Expected Goals (xG): Spain 2.08 | Belgium 0.37
- Possession: Spain controlled most of the game
- Winning Goal: Mikel Merino (88′)
Spain consistently created dangerous opportunities and limited Belgium to very few clear chances.
Spain Set Up Semi-Final Clash with France
The victory means Spain will now meet France in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente has maintained a perfect record in major tournament knockout matches, guiding Spain through every knockout game since taking charge.
With confidence high, strong squad depth, and players like Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Merino performing at a high level, Spain will believe they have a genuine chance of reaching another World Cup final.
Final Thoughts
Spain once again showed why they are among the favourites to win the World Cup. Fabian Ruiz gave them an early advantage, Belgium responded bravely through Charles De Ketelaere, but Mikel Merino’s late winner proved decisive.
The match also highlighted the importance of Thibaut Courtois for Belgium, as his injury and the unfortunate mistake by Senne Lammens ultimately changed the outcome.
Now all eyes turn to the blockbuster semi-final between Spain and France, where a place in the World Cup final will be on the line.
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