Mikel Merino Shines as Spain Edges Out Belgium 2-1 in Thrilling World Cup Quarterfinals Clash
Spain has advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute. Merino scored on a rebound after backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsí. This marks Spain's first semifinal appearance since winning the World Cup in 2010.
Merino, who also scored a crucial goal as a substitute in the round of 16 against Portugal, will now face tournament favorite France in the semifinals on Tuesday. "It will be a clash of giants," said Spain coach Luis De La Fuente.
The match saw Belgium's longtime keeper Thibaut Courtois leave with an apparent thigh injury in the 71st minute, replaced by Lammens. Fabián Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, ending Spain's streak of not conceding a goal in the tournament.
Belgium pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Spain's defense held firm. The win extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 37 matches, while Belgium's 18-match unbeaten run came to an end. Spain will now face France in the semifinals, seeking to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
Merino, who also scored a crucial goal as a substitute in the round of 16 against Portugal, will now face tournament favorite France in the semifinals on Tuesday. "It will be a clash of giants," said Spain coach Luis De La Fuente.
The match saw Belgium's longtime keeper Thibaut Courtois leave with an apparent thigh injury in the 71st minute, replaced by Lammens. Fabián Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, ending Spain's streak of not conceding a goal in the tournament.
Belgium pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Spain's defense held firm. The win extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 37 matches, while Belgium's 18-match unbeaten run came to an end. Spain will now face France in the semifinals, seeking to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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