Spain reaches World Cup semifinals as Mikel Merino delivers late winner vs. Belgium

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Spain's Mikel Merino pounced on a costly blunder by Belgium's substitute goalkeeper. 

With the score tied in the 88th minute of Friday's World Cup quarterfinal, Belgium's Senne Lammens spilled a routine shot in the penalty area just minutes after coming into the match in place of injured starter Thibaut Courtois. Merino was quickest to react, slamming home the rebound to give Spain a 2-1 victory and a place in the World Cup semifinals. 

It was Merino's second huge goal for his country in as many matches. The super sub also came off the bench to deliver the decisive goal in extra time against Portugal in the Round of 16. 

Merino's heroics ensure that the most tantalizing potential matchup at this summer's World Cup is now a mouthwatering reality. It will be Spain vs. France on Tuesday in a heavyweight semifinal.

After entering the summer as co-favorites to win the World Cup, France and Spain have largely lived up to the pre-tournament hype. 

Explosive in 1v1 situations and lethal in transition, France has overwhelmed opponents with its attacking firepower, athleticism and pace. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have racked up a combined 13 goals and Michael Olise has showcased savvy playmaking and vision, leading bookmakers and pundits to declare France the team to beat. 

If any side can give France fits, it might be Spain with its possession-heavy, technically gifted style. Spain is unbeaten in its past 36 matches because of its knack for controlling a match and limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. The Spanish had yet to concede a goal in this World Cup entering Friday's Belgium match.

The rivalry between Spain and France has intensified in recent years as their matches have become increasingly meaningful. France rallied for a 2-1 victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, but Spain secured revenge in the semifinals of the European Championships three years later, fueled by a stunning long-range effort from Lamine Yamal that curled in off the post. The Spaniards also ousted the French in a high-scoring Nations League semifinal last year.

When asked earlier in this World Cup whether France was playing at a higher level than Spain, Yamal responded flatly, "No." 

"They haven't beaten us since the Euros," Yamal told reporters. "They can't be better than us. They're at an excellent level, have wonderful players, but I don't think they're above anyone. For me, there's no one above Spain."

To earn the chance to prove that, Spain had to survive a Belgium team that was thought to be past its prime entering this World Cup but has disproved its critics. The Belgians finished atop their group, rallied late to topple Senegal in the Round of 32 and then outclassed the U.S. in the Round of 16 in front of a raucous crowd in Seattle. 

Belgium's hopes of springing an upset took a hit during pregame warmups when captain Youri Tielemans suffered an undisclosed injury and had to be scratched from the starting lineup. That left Belgium down two key midfielders, with Amadou Onana already out for the rest of the World Cup after suffering a torn knee ligament against the U.S. on Monday.

It was all Spain for much of the first half, the possession and pressure finally resulting in the match's opening goal in the 30th minute. A deft move up the right side paved the way for Pedro Porro to cut the ball back perfectly for Dani Olmo. Thibaut Courtois dove to save Olmo's shot, but Fabián Ruiz was there to smash the rebound through a defender's legs and into an unguarded net. 

The goal for Ruiz helped justify his surprise inclusion in Spain's starting XI. Luis de la Fuente opted to start Ruiz and leave Barcelona star Pedri on the bench. 

One goal seemed like it might be enough for Spain with Belgium struggling to generate possession in the attacking side of the field, let alone genuine scoring chances. Then, out of nowhere, Belgium produced a superb 41st-minute equalizer on one of its first substantive moves of the match. 

Superb vision on a one-time pass from Kevin De Bruyne set up Timothy Castagne with room to make a cross. Charles De Ketelaere pinned Pau Cubarsí in the box, got across him and headed the ball home, delivering the first World Cup goal scored against Spain in 649 minutes.

But it was not enough. Merino's late winner sent Spain through to a blockbuster semifinal against France, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.