Spain Advances to FIFA World Cup Semifinals with Late Goal
Spain Secures Semifinal Spot
Photo: @SeputarMadrid/X
Los Angeles, July 11: Mikel Merino, who came off the bench, netted a late goal for the second match in a row, leading Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium. This win marks Spain's first appearance in the FIFA World Cup semifinals since 2010, setting up a showdown with France in Dallas next Tuesday.
Merino had previously scored the winning goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph against Portugal during the round of 16. Meanwhile, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals after a convincing 4-1 win against co-host the United States, as reported by a news agency.
Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz capitalized on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois deflected Dani Olmo's shot from Pedro Porro's low cross, following a run by Lamine Yamal.
Belgium equalized in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne's cross found Charles De Ketelaere, who headed the ball past Unai Simon, breaking La Roja's streak of six consecutive clean sheets in the tournament.
This goal also ended Simon's impressive record of 650 minutes without conceding a goal in the World Cup.
Belgium faced a setback in the 71st minute when Courtois had to leave the field due to injury, marking his 21st World Cup appearance, the second-highest for goalkeepers, trailing Germany's Manuel Neuer with 23.
Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just two minutes after entering the game. Belgium's substitute goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, failed to secure Pau Cubarsi's long-range shot, allowing Merino to capitalize on the loose ball and score from close range.
Spain held on to secure a 2-1 victory, marking their return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since they lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
This victory also extended Spain's unbeaten streak in regular time to 36 matches, dating back to a friendly loss to Colombia in 2024.