Late Merino Goal Sends Spain Past Belgium and Into World Cup Semifinals

Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday to book a place in the World Cup semifinals, where they will face tournament favourites France.

Merino struck in the 88th minute after Belgium’s stand-in goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to control a low effort from defender Pau Cubarsi. The rebound fell kindly to the Spanish midfielder, who calmly fired home from close range, sparking celebrations among the capacity crowd at Los Angeles Stadium.

The victory sends the European champions into only their second World Cup semifinal. Spain previously reached the last four in 2010, when they went on to lift the trophy. Their only other appearance at that stage came in 1950, when the tournament was decided by a final group stage and Spain finished fourth.

Spain began the match on the front foot, applying pressure from the opening whistle. Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an initial diving save, but the ball fell to Ruiz, who drove his shot through the legs of defender Timothy Castagne and into the net.

Ruiz justified coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to start him ahead of Pedri, a selection that surprised many before kickoff. Pedri was introduced early in the second half after Ruiz completed an impressive performance.

Belgium recovered well after conceding and found an equaliser in the 41st minute. Castagne turned provider with a well-placed cross that Charles De Ketelaere met with a powerful header beyond Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. It was the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament and gave Belgium fresh belief heading into halftime.

The second half saw Spain dominate possession and create several opportunities, while Belgium defended resolutely despite mounting injury problems. Courtois was forced off after sustaining an injury during the match, with Lammens replacing him in goal. Belgium had already suffered a setback before kickoff when captain Youri Tielemans withdrew from the starting lineup after picking up an injury during the warm-up. Midfielder Amadou Onana was also unavailable after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the previous round against the United States.

Spain’s pressure finally produced the decisive moment two minutes from time when Cubarsi’s low strike slipped through Lammens’ grasp, allowing Merino to convert from close range.

The match attracted several high-profile spectators, including actors Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, along with musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher.

Spain will now take on France in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.