Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Spain vs Belgium ended with another late Mikel Merino rescue act in Los Angeles, as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Saturday to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and book a meeting with France.
The Arsenal midfielder scored in the 88th minute after coming off the bench, punishing a goalkeeping error and sending the European champions into a heavyweight semi-final near Dallas on Tuesday.
For more World Cup coverage, read Harry Kane Donald Trump Golf Story Adds Side Note Before England World Cup Quarterfinal.
Merino Delivers Again For Spain
Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead after 30 minutes before Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium in a tense quarter-final.
That goal ended Unai Simón’s record run of 649 World Cup minutes without conceding across two tournaments.
“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” a smiling Merino said. “If you’re ready and you try, it can happen for you. I’m very, very pleased.”
Merino had also scored off the bench in Spain’s last-16 win over Portugal, making his timing from the bench a major weapon for Luis De La Fuente.
Belgium Injuries Prove Costly
Belgium’s night was shaped by injuries before and during the match.
Youri Tielemans withdrew during the warm-up with an apparent hamstring issue, while Amadou Onana was already missing because of a knee ligament injury.
Thibaut Courtois then went off in tears in the 71st minute, forcing Senne Lammens into goal.
Lammens later spilled Pau Cubarsí’s long-range strike, and Merino reacted first to decide the tie.
“I am so happy of course,” Merino added. “We know we have the whole nation behind us. It will be a tight game against a France side who are a top team.”
“It will be a clash of giants,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said through a translator.
Belgium coach Garcia said his side had been hit hard by injuries, including Kevin De Bruyne not being fully fit.
“That was naturally tough for us,” said Garcia. “Sometimes details in football count. But I’m still proud of my players, they produced a strong performance.”
Fans can follow fixtures and results through the official FIFA World Cup match centre.
