Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, thanks to another late goal from Mikel Merino. The thrilling contest at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ended Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak and booked Spain a place in the semi-finals against France.Fabián Ruiz Gives Spain the Perfect Start
Spain dominated possession in the opening stages and finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to a loose rebound inside the penalty area, calmly finishing to give La Roja a deserved lead.
The goal rewarded Spain's attacking intent after creating several dangerous opportunities early in the match.
Belgium Fight Back Before Half-Time
Belgium refused to back down and found an equaliser just four minutes before the break. Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to meet Timothy Castagne's pinpoint cross, powering a header beyond the Spanish goalkeeper.
The goal was significant, as it was the first Spain had conceded throughout the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Courtois Injury Changes the Game
The second half remained tightly contested until Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute. Star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an apparent hip injury, leaving substitute Senne Lammens to finish the match.
While Lammens made several important interventions, the pressure from Spain continued to build in the closing stages.
Mikel Merino Delivers Another Late Winner
With just two minutes remaining, Spain found the breakthrough.
Defender Pau Cubarsí unleashed a low shot from distance that substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to handle cleanly. The rebound fell perfectly for Mikel Merino, who had been on the pitch for less than two minutes.
The Arsenal midfielder reacted instantly, firing home the winning goal in the 88th minute and sending Spain into the World Cup semi-finals.
It was yet another decisive contribution from Merino, who has developed a reputation for scoring crucial goals in big matches.
Spain Set for Huge Semi-Final Against France
The victory means Spain will now face France in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament. Both nations have impressed throughout the World Cup, and football fans around the world will eagerly anticipate a clash between two European giants.
Spain will hope to continue their impressive run, while France will be determined to stop one of the tournament's most in-form teams.
Match Summary
Final Score: Spain 2-1 Belgium
Goalscorers:
Fabián Ruiz (30') – Spain
Charles De Ketelaere (41') – Belgium
Mikel Merino (88') – Spain
Spain's combination of resilience, attacking quality, and late-match determination once again proved the difference. With confidence growing and another dramatic victory secured, La Roja move one step closer to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Comments
Post a Comment