Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s late hero once again as the substitute scored an 88th-minute winner to stun Belgium 2-1 and book La Roja’s place in the World Cup semi-finals. Having previously come off the bench to net a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, the Arsenal midfielder repeated his antics in Los Angeles.
With a closely contested quarter-final tied at 1-1 and seemingly heading for extra time, Merino capitalised on a costly error from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens to plant a rebound into the roof of the net, just 117 seconds after replacing Dani Olmo.
Courtois Injury Pivotal as Spainโs Defence Finally Cracks
Luis de la Fuenteโs European champions took a deserved lead in the 30th minute following a dominant opening spell. Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal combined beautifully down the right wing to find Olmo, whose initial effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois.
However, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabiรกn Ruiz reacted quickest, drilling the rebound through the legs of Timothy Castagne. Belgium responded valiantly and drew level just 11 minutes later. Charles De Ketelaere stole ahead of teenage defender Pau Cubarsรญ to powerfully head home a cross from Castagne.
The goal ended Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding a single goal at the 2026 World Cup. The match shifted irrevocably in the 71st minute when Courtois broke down in tears after suffering a severe muscle injury.
With the Real Madrid goalkeeper forced off, Rudi Garcia was forced to introduce Manchester United stopper Lammens for only his third international cap. The young goalkeeper’s lack of experience proved decisive when he failed to hold a venomous 25-yard strike from Cubarsรญ, allowing the predatory Merino to pounce.
Heartbreak for Belgiumโs Golden Generation
Belgium felt aggrieved after the restart when a cross from Aymeric Laporte flicked onto the arm of fellow Spanish defender Rodri inside the box, but refereeing officials waved away the desperate penalty appeals.
The Red Devils were already facing a midfield crisis prior to kick-off; Amadou Onana was ruled out with a ruptured ACL, and captain Youri Tielemans picked up an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
The agonising exit signals a painful end for the remnants of Belgium’s ‘golden generation’. This tournament is widely expected to be the final World Cup appearance for stalwarts such as Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Leandro Trossard, and record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, who failed to impact the game from the bench.
While Belgium head home left to rue what might have been, Spain advance to only their second World Cup semi-final in history. They will face a formidable France side in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July, though De la Fuente will expect a more fluid performance after two successive sluggish displays.
Match Details
- Result: Spain 2-1 Belgium
- Next Fixture: Spain vs France (Semi-Final) โ Tuesday, 14 July (Dallas)
Read more –ย Who Is Left to Stop This French Armada?
Also see –ย A tournament of almost-shocks enters the business end
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