Spain snatches late win over Belgium to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals on Friday with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, scoring the winner in the 88th minute. Mikel Merino pounced on a rebound after goalkeeper Senne Lammens had saved Pau Cubarsí's long-range shot, firing the ball into the top left corner.

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz's shot deflected off Timothy Castagne and into the net. Belgium equalized in the 41st minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed home from Castagne's cross, ending Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon's run of 650 minutes without conceding a goal.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured in the 71st minute, replaced by Lammens. Despite several chances, including a dangerous effort from Mikel Oyarzabal saved by Courtois, Spain could not break through until Merino's late strike.

Spain entered the match unbeaten in the tournament, having drawn 0-0 with Cape Verde and beaten Saudi Arabia 4-0, Uruguay 1-0, Austria 3-0, and Portugal 1-0. Belgium had also gone undefeated, drawing with Egypt 1-1 and Iran 0-0, thrashing New Zealand 5-1, and eliminating Senegal 3-2 (a.e.t.) and the USA 4-1.

Spain will face France in the semifinals after France beat Morocco 2-0. The other quarterfinals feature Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland. This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, hosted across Mexico, the USA, and Canada. Argentina are the defending champions, having won in Qatar in 2022.