Spain produced another dramatic finish on the biggest stage, edging Belgium 2-1 to move into the World Cup semifinals and keep Europe news readers locked on one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. In a match that swung from control to tension and back again, Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to send Spain through and line up a heavyweight clash with France.
The late winner capped a familiar script for Spain, who once again relied on Merino’s impact from the bench. After delivering the decisive goal in the previous round against Portugal, the midfielder-turned-match-winner repeated the trick, turning a tight quarterfinal into another memorable night in international football.
Spain edge Belgium with late Merino winner
For much of the game, Spain looked composed and methodical, using possession well and forcing Belgium to defend deep. Their first breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pushed out a Dani Olmo effort. The rebound fell kindly, and Ruiz made no mistake.
Belgium, however, showed resilience. In the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere rose to meet a Timothy Castagne cross and headed home to level the score. The goal was significant not only because it brought Belgium back into the contest, but because it ended Spain’s remarkable World Cup defensive run of 649 minutes without conceding.
The match appeared to be drifting toward extra time before Merino changed everything. Introduced in the 86th minute, he needed only moments to make his mark. Pau Cubarsi’s effort from outside the area was spilled by backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Merino reacted fastest to bury the rebound in the 88th minute.
Key moments from the quarterfinal
- 30th minute: Fabian Ruiz opens the scoring for Spain.
- 41st minute: Charles De Ketelaere equalises for Belgium with a header.
- 71st minute: Thibaut Courtois goes off injured, with Senne Lammens replacing him.
- 86th minute: Mikel Merino comes on as a substitute.
- 88th minute: Merino scores the winner from close range.
Belgium battle hard but goalkeeper change proves costly
Belgium will reflect on a night of what-ifs. Courtois had kept them in the contest with key interventions before being forced off in the 71st minute with an apparent thigh problem. His replacement, Senne Lammens, was suddenly thrust into one of the most intense moments of the tournament.
While Lammens could do little about the rebound sequence that led to the winner, the goal underlined how fine the margins are at this level. Belgium pushed forward desperately after falling behind, but Spain held firm. Their best late opening fell to Aymeric Laporte, who cleared the danger as Belgium searched for one final chance.
For followers of ireland news, irish news and broader Europe news coverage, this was another example of elite tournament football being decided by squad depth, composure and timing. Spain had the right player in the right place at the right moment.
Spain vs France semifinal now takes centre stage
Spain’s reward is a blockbuster semifinal against tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday. The matchup promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the competition, with Spain’s structure and control set against France’s explosive attacking power.
Spain arrive with momentum and growing belief. They have now survived two high-pressure knockout ties thanks in large part to Merino’s decisive contributions off the bench. That kind of late-game edge can define champions.
France, meanwhile, will present a very different challenge from Belgium. Spain may have controlled long stretches here, but they are unlikely to enjoy the same comfort against a side packed with pace, directness and experience in the final third.
What Spain will take into the semifinal
- Belief in the squad: Merino has become a game-changing option.
- Midfield control: Spain still look capable of dictating tempo.
- Defensive response: Conceding ended a record streak, but they remained calm.
- Winning habit: Late goals suggest a team that thrives under pressure.
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Why this result matters in Europe news coverage
This result will dominate Europe news discussions because it reinforces Spain’s reputation as one of the most tactically disciplined teams left in the tournament. It also raises fresh questions for Belgium, whose golden generation era has long faced scrutiny whenever major opportunities slip away.
From an ireland news and irish news perspective, major international fixtures like this consistently draw strong reader interest, especially when they carry semifinal implications and feature recognisable Premier League-linked players such as Merino, Courtois and Lammens.
FAQs
Who scored for Spain against Belgium?
Fabian Ruiz scored Spain’s first goal, and Mikel Merino netted the late winner in the 88th minute.
Who scored Belgium’s goal?
Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium with a first-half header from Timothy Castagne’s cross.
Who will Spain play in the semifinal?
Spain will face France in the World Cup semifinals in Dallas.
Why was Mikel Merino’s goal so important?
His late strike secured a 2-1 win, sending Spain into the semifinals and avoiding extra time.
Conclusion
Spain’s late victory over Belgium delivered everything fans expect from top-tier knockout football: pressure, quality, setbacks and a decisive late twist. For Europe news audiences, the headline is clear — Spain are through, Merino has done it again, and a huge semifinal against France now awaits. If this quarterfinal proved anything, it is that Spain remain one of the toughest teams to finish off when the stakes are highest.
