Merino strikes late again as Spain beat Belgium to set up France semi-final
Spain edged past Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles on Friday with another late winner from substitute Mikel Merino, booking a World Cup semi-final clash with France.
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday in Los Angeles, thanks to a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino. The win sets up a semi-final showdown with France.
Spain dominated early and took the lead in the 30th minute. Fabian Ruiz, starting in place of Pedri, scored after Dani Olmo's shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium equalized against the run of play in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere headed home a Timothy Castagne cross. It was the first goal Spain conceded in the tournament.
Belgium were hampered by injuries. Captain Youri Tielemans pulled a hamstring during warm-ups, and Amadou Onana was already out with a ruptured ACL. Goalkeeper Courtois was forced off with an injury in the 70th minute, replaced by debutant Lammens, who made a costly mistake.
In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsi shot from distance; Lammens failed to hold the ball, and Merino pounced on the rebound to score. It was Merino's second straight late winner from the bench, following his stoppage-time goal against Portugal on Monday.
Late on, Alexis Saelemaekers rounded Spain's goalkeeper but could not find Romelu Lukaku in front of an open goal. After the final whistle, Courtois consoled the distraught Lammens, while Belgium's 'Golden Generation' stood in disbelief. Spain now turn their attention to a blockbuster semi-final against France.
