Mikel Merino once again delivered a stunning performance, igniting celebrations among Spanish fans. The player, who had previously scored crucial goals for Spain, came off the bench to make a difference in a tense match against Belgium. With just minutes left on the clock, Merino seized a loose ball to clinch a spot in the semi-finals against France next week.
As Merino launched into his signature celebration honoring his father, Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, who might have thwarted the goal, could only watch from the sidelines. Senne Lammers, the Belgian substitute goalkeeper who had mishandled a shot from Pau Cubarsi, faced a similar fate. Spain erupted in joy as they secured their advancement, a journey that had begun with a critical tactical decision.
Coach Luis de la Fuente made a pivotal choice by substituting Pedri for Fabian Ruiz, a decision that paid off handsomely. Ruiz not only set up Spain’s first significant opportunity but also scored the opening goal at the half-hour mark. The play initiated deep in the field saw Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal working in tandem to dismantle the Belgian defense. A well-timed pass from Yamal allowed Porro to enter the area, where he set up Dani Olmo. Olmo’s initial strike was parried by Courtois, but Ruiz was quick to capitalize on the rebound and net the goal.
After scoring, Ruiz celebrated passionately, calling for another ball from the ballboy and triumphantly tucking it under his shirt. Spain had taken control of the match, especially since the commercial break, and it seemed unlikely they would relinquish their lead. Following a shaky start, Yamal gained confidence, driving at the Belgian defense and earning a free kick after being fouled on the edge of the box, though Courtois managed to block the subsequent attempt.
Referee Michael Oliver found himself in a collision with Olmo, yet Spain continued to push forward. A promising one-touch move nearly led to another goal, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s back-heeled attempt was thwarted. Yamal then made a brilliant play, evading Jérémy Doku and striking the side-netting, making Spain’s dominance apparent.
However, in a surprising twist, Spain conceded their first goal of the World Cup just before the end of the first half. At 12:40 Pacific Time, Charles De Ketelaere found the net with a header, following a well-worked move initiated by Doku and finished by Kevin De Bruyne’s precise pass that set up Timothy Castagne for a perfect cross.
The second half commenced with Cubarsi showcasing his passing skills once more, finding Lamine Yamal in the area. Although Courtois managed a save, the Spanish side looked encouraged by the spaces opening up in the Belgian defense. Yamal’s next attempt, a low shot from the edge of the box, just missed the target.
Recognizing the need for more incisiveness, Spain introduced Pedri and Ferran Torres early in the second half. However, Belgium posed a threat as Doku and De Bruyne linked up, leading to Maxim De Cruyper narrowly missing the goal. Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia responded with tactical adjustments, bringing on Axel Witsel, Joaquin Seys, and Romelu Lukaku. Courtois was forced into action again, saving a curling shot from Yamal and later denying Oyarzabal at the near post.
Yet, the match took a dramatic turn when Courtois went down holding his thigh, prompting concern on the Belgian bench. He attempted to continue but ultimately had to leave the pitch in tears, further complicating Belgium’s situation after losing Youri Tielemans before the match. De Bruyne would also have to exit, leaving Belgium vulnerable.
Despite the pressure, Spain found it challenging to break through the Belgian defense, with many attempts thwarted. However, as Mikel Merino entered the field, the tide shifted dramatically. Within just under two minutes of his arrival, he scored the decisive goal that propelled Spain into the semi-finals.
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