Spain clinched a spot in the World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over a depleted Belgium side, with substitute Mikel Merino delivering the decisive blow deep into the second half at Los Angeles Stadium. The Spaniard latched onto a loose ball in the 88th minute after Belgium's stand-in goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a low effort from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Merino to pounce from close range and send the sold-out crowd into raptures on what proved to be a sweltering afternoon in California.
The tournament favourites now prepare for an encounter with France in Dallas on Tuesday evening, in what represents a blockbuster semi-final clash between two of Europe's strongest footballing nations. This marks only the second occasion that Spain have reached the last four of the World Cup, their previous appearance coming in 2010 when they ultimately claimed the trophy. The Spanish side's path to the semis has been characterised by impressive attacking football and defensive solidity, making them genuine contenders for the crown.
The narrative of the match shifted dramatically when Belgium suffered multiple injury setbacks that fundamentally weakened their competitive position. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was withdrawn from the starting lineup minutes before kickoff after sustaining a warm-up injury, with Hans Vanaken drafted in as his replacement. The situation grew more complicated given that midfielder Amadou Onana was already sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained during Belgium's previous knockout victory against the United States, further depleting the midfield options available to the coaching staff.
Spain dominated the opening phase of play with purposeful attacking movements, and their pressure yielded a breakthrough when Fabian Ruiz fired them ahead in the 30th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder demonstrated sharp instincts to capitalise on a loose ball after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had made a diving save, with Ruiz's effort squirming between Timothy Castagne's legs and into the back of the net. The goal vindicated coach Luis de la Fuente's tactical decision to start Ruiz ahead of established playmaker Pedri, a selection that raised eyebrows before kickoff but appeared justified by the midfielder's early contributions.
Belgium refused to capitulate despite their mounting injury problems, drawing level just eleven minutes later through Charles De Ketelaere's well-taken header. The forward's positioning was exemplary as he attacked Timothy Castagne's cross with conviction, beating Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon with a firm header that marked Spain's first goal conceded throughout the entire tournament. The equaliser provided Belgium with renewed impetus and suggested the match remained very much in the balance heading into the interval, with both teams locked at one apiece amid oppressive heat that tested the stamina of all twenty-two players.
The second half unfolded with Spain gradually reasserting their authority over proceedings, maintaining sustained pressure on the Belgium defence with the intention of forcing a breakthrough. Luis de la Fuente introduced fresh tactical options, including the introduction of Pedri as a replacement for Ruiz, while Spain continued to probe for weaknesses in the visitor's rearguard. Belgium's injury crisis continued to manifest itself throughout the second period, with the loss of key personnel limiting their capacity to mount sustained attacks while simultaneously stretching their defensive resources.
The pivotal moment arrived when Merino entered the fray after 86 minutes as a substitute, tasked with injecting additional attacking verve into Spain's push for victory. Just two minutes after coming on, the midfielder was in the right place at precisely the right moment when Cubarsi's low strike towards goal proved problematic for substitute goalkeeper Lammens, who had replaced the injured Courtois in the Belgium setup. Lammens' failure to secure the initial shot left the ball bouncing directly in front of goal, presenting Merino with an unmissable opportunity from close range that he duly converted to spark scenes of jubilation among the Spanish support.
The victory represents a significant achievement for a Spanish side that has undergone considerable evolution under de la Fuente's stewardship. Reaching the World Cup semi-finals had eluded Spain since their triumphant 2010 campaign, though the team did finish fourth in 1950 when the tournament format featured a final group stage rather than the modern knockout structure. The current generation has now matched that historical achievement while maintaining realistic ambitions of progressing further in the competition.
Belgium's tournament campaign ends in disappointment, their preparations undermined by the untimely injuries to key personnel that severely compromised their ability to compete at full strength. The accumulation of absences, particularly the loss of Tielemans and Onana, meant the Belgian coaching staff was forced to operate with a significantly weakened squad against a well-organised Spanish outfit intent on securing passage through to the latter stages. Their defensive vulnerabilities in key moments ultimately proved decisive in determining the outcome.
The semi-final encounter between Spain and France promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with contrasting trajectories through the tournament. France, positioned as pre-tournament favourites, will represent a formidable obstacle for Spain's ambitions of reaching the final. The Spanish team will carry the confidence of an impressive quarter-final performance into their Dallas appointment, where they will seek to overcome the challenge posed by another European heavyweight competing for the honour of contesting the championship match.
Notable figures from the entertainment industry attended the match at the sold-out Los Angeles Stadium, with attendees including musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher, American actor Brad Pitt, and Spanish performers Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. The high-profile presence underscored the global appeal of the tournament while adding to the spectacle of an encounter that ultimately delivered the dramatic conclusion expected of a major knockout stage fixture.
