Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals after a late Mikel Merino strike sealed a dramatic 2-1 win over Belgium.
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after edging Belgium 2-1 in a tense quarter-final decided by substitute Mikel Merino’s late strike. Sky Sports reports that Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute after reacting quickest to Dani Olmo’s saved effort, but Charles De Ketelaere restored parity for Belgium with a header before the break.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a major setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois limped off injured late in the second half. His replacement, Senne Lammens, misjudged a cross, allowing Merino to pounce and score in the 88th minute to seal Spain’s victory.
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals.
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