Spain Edges Belgium 2-1 to Set Up World Cup Semi-Final Clash with France

Spain has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in history after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday. The 2010 champions will now face tournament favorites France in Dallas next Tuesday.

Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the hero for the second consecutive match. Brought on in the 86th minute the forward scored the winning goal just two minutes later.

He capitalized on a rebound after Belgium’s backup goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, fumbled a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí. Lammens had entered the match in the 71st minute after veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois limped off with a suspected thigh injury.

Earlier Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute. However Belgium responded quickly with Charles De Ketelaere equalizing in the 41st minute marking the very first goal Spain has conceded in this tournament. Despite relentless late pressure from Belgium in search of a second equalizer Spain's defense highlighted by a crucial Aymeric Laporte clearance held firm.

This victory extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 37 matches, a run dating back to March 2023. Meanwhile, the defeat signals a heartbreaking exit for Belgium closing the World Cup chapter for several older stars of their squad.