Merino breaks Belgian hearts with late Spain winner

Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino struck late to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

La Roja controlled much of the early possession and took the lead in the 30th minute. Thibaut Courtois failed to hold an effort inside the Belgium penalty area, allowing Fabián Ruiz to react quickly and finish from close range.

Belgium had been under pressure for long spells, but responded before half-time. Timothy Castagne delivered a teasing cross from the right, and Charles De Ketelaere headed beyond Unai Simón to become the first player to score against Spain at the tournament.

Spain pushed again after the restart, with Lamine Yamal denied by Courtois in a one-on-one before the goalkeeper produced further saves from Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Belgium also threatened, as Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined to release Maxim De Cuyper, who fired into the side-netting.

The match turned again when Courtois was forced off injured in the 72nd minute, leaving substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens to face the closing stages.

Merino delivered the decisive moment in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí’s low shot was spilled by Lammens, and the Spain substitute reacted quickest to turn home the rebound.

Spain progressed to face France in the semi-finals, while Belgium were left heartbroken after another painful near miss on the World Cup stage.

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Scorers:
Spain: Fabián Ruiz 30’; Merino 88’
Belgium: De Ketelaere 41’

Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal