Spain advances to semi-finals
Spain has progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup after a late goal from Mikel Merino secured their victory against Belgium. The match, held in Inglewood, saw Merino score two minutes from time, sending his country into a semi-final clash with France. This marks Merino’s second decisive goal in a World Cup knockout game, following his winning strike against Portugal.
The European champions continued their impressive run, extending their unbeaten streak in competitive matches to 36. Their journey to the semi-finals comes nearly 16 years after Spain’s 2010 generation achieved success on the world stage. The upcoming semi-final against France will take place in Dallas Stadium.
The encounter between Spain and Belgium was the second quarter-final match of the tournament. Spain had previously defeated Portugal with a 1-0 win, while Belgium had overcome the USA with a 4-1 scoreline to reach this stage.
Match details and key moments
The match saw a significant turn of events when Belgium’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was forced off the field due to a thigh injury with about 20 minutes remaining. His replacement, Senne Lammens, subsequently made an error, spilling a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsi directly into Merino’s path, leading to the decisive goal.
Before the injury, Belgium had faced an early setback when captain Youri Tielemans sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up. Despite this, Belgium started strongly, with Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, who were surprise omissions from the previous starting lineup, returning to the squad. Doku posed a constant threat on the break.
Spain took the lead after approximately half an hour. Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal combined on the right, setting up Dani Olmo, whose shot was saved by Courtois. However, the rebound fell to Fabian Ruiz, who scored. This goal marked a continuation of Spain’s strong form in matches where Ruiz has featured.
Just four minutes before the interval, Belgium equalised. Charles De Ketelaere scored from a cross by Timothy Castagne, with De Bruyne initiating the move with a pass. This goal ended Spain’s run of not conceding for 650 World Cup minutes.
Second half and aftermath
The second half was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities. Yamal had a shot that went wide, and Belgium’s Maxim De Cuyper also had a chance. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, made a double substitution, bringing on Ferran Torres and Pedri to influence the game.
Belgium continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, particularly after Romelu Lukaku entered the game. A moment of controversy arose when a shot appeared to strike Rodri‘s hand, but no penalty was awarded. As the match neared its conclusion, with extra time looming, Belgium’s defence dropped deeper.
The pivotal moment arrived when Cubarsi’s shot led to Lammens’ error, allowing Merino to score the winning goal. The match was broadcast by the BBC, with Kelly Cates presenting. Pundits for the coverage included Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, and former Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta. Steve Wilson provided the main commentary, joined by Stephen Warnock as co-commentator.
The victory ensures Spain’s progression to face France in the semi-finals.
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Source: independent.co.uk
