Spain edge past Belgium: Merino sends La Roja to World Cup semi-finals
Mikel Merino struck a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Spain over Belgium, setting up a semi-final clash with France.
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in their World Cup quarter-final in Los Angeles. The match was decided by super-sub Mikel Merino, who capitalized on a costly error from Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens to seal the win in the dying minutes.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain following a well-worked move involving Pedro Porro. Belgium leveled the scores through Charles De Ketelaere, but the Spaniards maintained their composure to clinch the result late on. The win sets up a high-stakes semi-final showdown against France.
The victory validates the tactical decisions of manager Luis de la Fuente, whose choice to start Fabian Ruiz and his late substitution of Merino proved pivotal. While young talent Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance, the team relied on its collective resilience to overcome a disciplined Belgian side.
Mikel Merino came off the bench and, almost inevitably, won the game for his country - again.
The result marks a significant step forward for the Spanish side as they prepare to face the French in the final four of the tournament.