Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium, setting up a heavyweight meeting with France.
Merino once again proved decisive from the bench, continuing his reputation for delivering in crucial moments. Having rescued Spain with a stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the previous round, the Arsenal midfielder repeated the feat by finding the net just two minutes after coming on.
His goal arrived in the 88th minute after Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal with Pau Cubarsí’s powerful effort.
The loose ball fell kindly for Merino, who reacted quickest to guide it into the net from close range.
Speaking afterwards, Merino said he was pleased to make another important contribution, adding that anticipation and determination had helped him arrive in the right position at the decisive moment.
Spain had taken control midway through the opening half when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after Belgium were unable to clear their lines.
The goal looked set to preserve Spain’s flawless defensive record at the tournament until Charles De Ketelaere restored parity before the interval, heading home Timothy Castagne’s cross.
The equaliser ended an impressive run for Spain, who had not conceded a goal throughout the competition. It also brought goalkeeper Unai Simón’s remarkable World Cup shut-out streak of 650 minutes to an end.
Belgium remained competitive after the break but suffered a significant setback when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury.
Yamal was introduced for his World Cup debut and produced several important interventions before his costly spill allowed Merino to settle the contest in the closing stages.
The result sends Spain into their first World Cup semi-final since their title-winning campaign in 2010. They will now face France in Arlington, Texas, in a contest between two unbeaten sides seeking a place in the final.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente welcomed the challenge ahead, describing the semi-final as a meeting between two of international football’s strongest teams while expressing confidence that his players have the quality to progress.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia said his side had competed well against one of the tournament’s leading teams but admitted the margins ultimately went against them.
Defender Brandon Mechele echoed that view, saying the squad could still reflect positively on its performances despite the disappointment of elimination.
Belgium’s preparations had already been disrupted before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans suffered an injury during the warm-up, adding to the absence of defender Amadou Onana.
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while bringing Belgium’s own 18-match unbeaten sequence to an end.
Spain now move within one win of another World Cup final as they prepare for a high-profile encounter with France.
