FIFA WC: Merino’s late winner sends Spain past Belgium into semifinals

Los Angeles: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the second consecutive match as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 here on Friday to book its first FIFA World Cup semifinal appearance since 2010, setting up a last-four clash against France in Dallas next Tuesday.

Merino had also come off the bench to score the winner in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16, while the Red Devils cruised past co-host the United States 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals, reported Xinhua.

Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had parried Dani Olmo’s first-time effort from Pedro Porro’s low cross following a run by Lamine Yamal.

The Red Devils equalized in the 41st minute after Timothy Castagne delivered a cross from the right and Charles De Ketelaere rose ahead of Pau Cubarsi to head past Unai Simon, ending La Roja’s run of six consecutive clean sheets at the FIFA World Cup.

De Ketelaere’s goal also ended Simon’s World Cup record of 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.

Belgium suffered a setback in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off injured after making his 21st FIFA World Cup appearance, the second-most among goalkeepers behind Germany’s Manuel Neuer (23).

Merino struck the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute. Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort, allowing the Spanish midfielder to pounce on the loose ball from close range.

La Roja held on for the 2-1 victory to return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regular time to 36 matches, dating back to their 0-1 friendly defeat to Colombia in 2024.

IANS