Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s late hero again, coming off the bench to score in the 88th minute and send La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. The Arsenal midfielder, on for only 117 seconds, pounced on a spilled save to plant the rebound into the roof of the net and spark wild celebrations.
Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz’s composed finish in the 30th minute, but Belgium equalised four minutes before half-time when Charles de Ketelaere glanced home Timothy Castagne’s cross. The match looked set for extra time until substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s long-range strike, allowing Merino to convert and book a last-four clash with France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July (20:00 BST).
Match turning points
- Ruiz opener: Fabian Ruiz, preferred over Pedri, drilled a rebound through Timothy Castagne’s legs to give Spain an early advantage.
- De Ketelaere equaliser: Belgium ended Spain’s 649-minute clean-sheet run at the tournament with a well-timed header just before the interval.
- Goalkeeper change: Injured Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois left the game in tears after a muscle injury; his replacement Lammens spilled Cubarsi’s 25-yard strike, enabling Merino’s winner.
Substitutes and stars
- Merino’s knack for late winners continues: Having scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, Merino has now delivered two consecutive knockout-clinchers off the bench.
- Lamine Yamal: The teenage forward showed glimpses of brilliance testing Courtois and rattling the side-netting but remains yet to dominate a game as Spain will hope he does in the semis.
- Belgium’s golden generation: With veterans like Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku unlikely to feature at another World Cup, this exit feels like a poignant end to their best collective chance.
What’s next
Spain face reigning champions France in the semi-final, a stern test for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who have yet to reach peak form despite winning Euro 2024. Spain are two victories from a second World Cup title but must raise their level to topple France.
