Mikel Merino did it again as Spain snatched a dramatic victory over Belgium with another unforgettable late strike. The Arsenal midfielder emerged from the bench to fire his country into the World Cup semi-finals.
Having scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the previous round, Merino repeated the trick in Los Angeles. This time, he needed just 117 seconds after replacing Dani Olmo to become Spain’s match-winner.
With the contest locked at 1-1, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s powerful long-range effort. Merino reacted first and smashed the loose ball into the roof of the net in the 88th minute.
Fabian Ruiz had earlier handed Spain the advantage after Courtois denied Olmo’s first attempt from close range. However, the PSG midfielder buried the rebound through Timothy Castagne’s legs to reward Spain’s impressive opening spell.
Belgium refused to disappear quietly, though, and found their equaliser before the break. Charles de Ketelaere beat Cubarsi to Castagne’s inviting cross and headed home confidently.
Spain face France after late heroics keep World Cup dream alive
That goal ended Spain’s remarkable run of 649 World Cup minutes without conceding. Afterwards, Belgium also appealed for a penalty when Rodri handled Laporte’s header inside the area.
Spain survived that scare before another decisive moment completely changed the contest. Courtois suffered what appeared to be a muscle injury and left the pitch in tears during the second half.
ALSO READ:
- Mbappe, Dembele score as France silence Morocco to charge into 2026 World Cup semi-finals
- It’s Over: Ronaldo’s World Cup dream ends as Spain stun Portugal in stoppage time
- Rodri apologises after clash with Silva in Spain’s last 16 victory over Portugal
His replacement, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, endured a painful introduction. The 24-year-old’s spill eventually gifted Merino the chance that transformed Spain’s World Cup journey.
Victory secured a mouthwatering semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July. Luis de la Fuente’s European champions remain only two victories from lifting football’s biggest prize.
Spain have looked resilient throughout the tournament without consistently reaching their highest level. Even so, their fighting spirit continues producing priceless moments when pressure reaches its peak.
Belgium entered the quarter-final weakened after Amadou Onana’s ACL injury and Youri Tielemans’ warm-up setback. Nevertheless, Rudi Garcia’s men battled courageously before suffering heartbreaking elimination.
Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance without dominating proceedings, while Spain’s defence finally conceded after an outstanding run.
|| League Tables || Live Football Scores || Football Prediction Giveaway Terms ||
Meanwhile, Belgium’s celebrated generation may have experienced its final World Cup together, including Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier and Leandro Trossard.
