Los Angeles (TDI): Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 on Friday to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France in a blockbuster clash.
Merino struck in the 88th minute at SoFi Stadium after Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a long-range effort, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to pounce on the rebound and seal Spain’s place in the last four.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against European champions Spain and tournament favourites France, led by Kylian Mbappe, in Dallas on Tuesday.
Spain dominated much of the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro combined neatly with Lamine Yamal before cutting the ball back for Dani Olmo, whose effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois into the path of Fabian Ruiz, who calmly fired home.
Belgium, however, responded against the run of play just before the break. Kevin De Bruyne released Timothy Castagne down the right, and his cross was met by Charles De Ketelaere, who headed past Unai Simon to score Belgium’s first goal of the tournament against Spain.
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The Belgians suffered a major setback even before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up, forcing coach Rudi Garcia to reshuffle his midfield.
Spain continued to dominate possession after the interval, with Lamine Yamal proving a constant threat, while Belgium looked dangerous on the counterattack and introduced Romelu Lukaku in search of a winner.
The match took another dramatic turn in the 70th minute when Courtois was forced off with an injury, handing 24-year-old Senne Lammens his World Cup debut under immense pressure.
The young goalkeeper’s introduction proved costly. With two minutes remaining, Pau Cubarsi’s low shot slipped through Lammens’ hands, and Merino reacted quickest to smash the loose ball into the net.
It was Merino’s second successive match-winning goal from the bench after his stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the previous round.
Belgium nearly forced extra time in the closing moments when Alexis Saelemaekers rounded the goalkeeper but failed to find Lukaku in front of an open goal.
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At the final whistle, Courtois consoled a devastated Lammens as Belgium’s World Cup campaign came to an end, while Spain celebrated another hard-fought victory and shifted their focus to Tuesday’s semi-final showdown against France
