Spain Advances to Semifinals
Mikel Merino's Late Winner Sends Spain Past Belgium 2-1 into World Cup Semifinals
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Key Points
1
Courtois left the game with a thigh injury, and Senne Lammens came on to replace him around the 71st–72nd minute.
2
This was Merino’s second straight knockout-game winner, after his 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.
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Fabian Ruiz started in place of Pedri, and was involved in the build-up to Spain’s opener, pulling back for Rodri for the 1-0 goal after Dani Olmo’s initial effort was blocked.
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Aymeric Laporte contributed a late defensive moment for Spain, with a volley/clearance that helped deprive Belgium of a late equalizer.
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Spain extended its unbeaten run to 37 matches, underscoring the team’s sustained form heading into the semi-finals.
Spain beat Belgium 2–1 in Los Angeles on July 10 to reach the World Cup semi-finals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic 88th-minute winner at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood Head Topics. It was Merino's second late match-winner in a row, following his 91st-minute goal against Portugal in the round of 16 — a pattern that is fast becoming Spain's tournament trademark.
Spain will now face France in Dallas on July 14, with the win extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches dating back to March 2023 Watton and Swaffham Times.
Fabián Ruiz Opens the Scoring, Belgium Hits Back Fast
Fabián Ruiz started ahead of Pedri and made his mark early. In the 30th minute, Dani Olmo's shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois. Ruiz reacted first and slotted the rebound home to make it 1–0 Watton and Swaffham Times. Spain looked firmly in control.
Belgium hit back just 11 minutes later. Charles De Ketelaere won an aerial duel with 17-year-old defender Pau CubarsÃ, guiding a header past Unai Simón to level at 1–1. It was the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament — ending a shutout streak of 649 minutes stretching back to the 2022 World Cup Head Topics.
Courtois Injury Opens the Door for Spain's Late Strike
The match turned in the 71st minute when Courtois limped off with a thigh injury. Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens came on to make his World Cup debut Head Topics. Lammens plays for Manchester United and had not appeared in the tournament before that moment.
Spain pounced on the change. In the 88th minute, Cubarsà fired a low shot from 20 yards. Lammens could not hold it cleanly. The ball spilled straight to Merino, who had just come on two minutes earlier. He converted the rebound to make it 2–1 US Head Topics. It was Merino's second touch of the match.
Merino Cements His Role as Spain's Super-Sub
Merino is now the first Spanish player in World Cup history to score two match-winning goals in the 80th minute or later in a single tournament. His goal against Portugal in the round of 16 came in the 91st minute. His winner here came in the 88th Watton and Swaffham Times. Both times, he entered the game late and delivered.
Spain's depth makes this possible. Coach Luis de la Fuente left Pedri on the bench and started Ruiz. Then he brought Merino on with minutes left. Lamine Yamal, 18, was named Player of the Match with six shots and four successful dribbles. De la Fuente said of Yamal: "His best has yet to come" Herts Ad.
Belgium's Golden Generation Bows Out With Regret
For Belgium, the defeat likely ends their so-called Golden Generation. Kevin De Bruyne, 35, and Romelu Lukaku, 33, have probably played their last World Cup matches. The team was hit by injuries all tournament — Amadou Onana was already out with a torn ACL, and captain Youri Tielemans pulled out during warm-ups US Head Topics.
Before the match, Courtois said: "Spain are one of the favorites to win... but in football, everything is possible." It was not to be. Defender Aymeric Laporte made a crucial clearance in stoppage time to keep Belgium out, before the final whistle confirmed Spain's place in the last four. Spain outshot Belgium 17 to 5, with an expected goals tally of 2.08 to just 0.37 Head Topics.
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