In a thrilling World Cup quarter-final on Friday, Spain triumphed over Belgium with a late winner, sealing a 2-1 victory that propels them into the semi-finals for the first time since their 2010 championship. Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments of the match, setting up a highly anticipated clash with France.
Merino’s Late Heroics
Substituted onto the pitch just two minutes prior, Merino made an immediate impact by capitalising on a rebound from Belgium’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The Spanish midfielder charged into the penalty area and slotted the ball home after Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to hold onto a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsí. This late strike marked Merino’s second consecutive match as a game-changer, having previously scored the only goal in Spain’s round of 16 victory over Portugal.
“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” Merino remarked with a grin. “If you’re ready and you try, it can happen for you. I’m very, very pleased.”
A Match of Two Halves
Spain initially took control of the match, with Fabián Ruiz netting the opening goal in the 30th minute. Following a strong build-up involving Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro, Ruiz capitalised on a rebound from Courtois, who made a crucial save but could not hold onto the ball. However, Belgium responded swiftly, with Charles De Ketelaere equalising just before half-time, heading in a cross from Timothy Castagne.
The first half ended with both teams displaying strong resolve, but it was evident that Spain’s defensive prowess was being tested for the first time in the tournament. Until that moment, they had managed to keep a clean slate for five consecutive matches.
Goalkeeper Drama
The match saw a significant shift when Courtois, Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper and a stalwart for Real Madrid, succumbed to a thigh injury in the 71st minute. His emotional departure from the field left Lammens to face a challenging final stretch, and while the Manchester United keeper proved capable, he could not prevent Merino’s late winner.
Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser in the dying moments, with Romelu Lukaku leading the charge, but Spain’s defence held firm. Aymeric Laporte produced a crucial clearance, volleying away a dangerous chance that could have changed the match’s outcome.
Streaks on the Line
With this victory, Spain extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches, a remarkable feat since March 2023. In contrast, Belgium’s impressive streak of 18 consecutive unbeaten games came to an end, highlighting the stark differences in momentum between the two teams.
Spain’s journey to the semi-finals is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen under coach Luis De La Fuente, who made key substitutions that altered the course of the match. The victory not only boosts Spain’s confidence but also underscores their status as a formidable contender in this World Cup.
Why it Matters
Spain’s victory over Belgium is more than just a progression to the next round; it signifies a revival of a team once considered a powerhouse in international football. With a date against tournament favourites France looming, Spain will need to harness this momentum and display the kind of grit that has characterised their recent performances. As they aim to reclaim their place among the elite of world football, this semi-final clash promises to be a pivotal moment in their World Cup journey.
