Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium after Mikel Merino struck a late winner at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
Spain dominated much of the quarter-final but had to wait until the closing stages to secure victory. The match appeared headed for extra time after both sides were locked at 1-1 until the 88th minute.
Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the first half before Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium, sending the teams into the break level.
The second half produced an end-to-end contest, with Belgium threatening through Kevin De Bruyne and Maxim De Cuyper, while Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal and forward Mikel Oyarzabal repeatedly tested the Belgian defence. Goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and, after his injury, substitute Senne Lammens made several crucial saves to keep Belgium in the game.
The decisive moment came when Merino, who had been on the pitch for less than two minutes, reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Pau Cubarsi’s shot was parried by Lammens.
Spain held firm in the closing minutes to preserve their lead, eliminating Belgium and advancing to the last four for the first time since lifting the World Cup in 2010.
Spain will now face two-time defending finalists France in a highly anticipated semi-final as they continue their bid for a second World Cup title.
