Sapin 2-1 Belgium Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's hero for the second successive match, scoring a late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday and send La Roja into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since their triumph in 2010. Merino, who also came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Spain's 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Portugal, struck just two minutes after his introduction to book a blockbuster semi-final showdown with France in Dallas next Tuesday. Belgium had arrived in the quarter-finals in impressive form after dismantling co-hosts the United States 4-1, but they were ultimately undone by Spain's persistence in front of a packed crowd. Spain made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute. Pedro Porro surged down the right before picking out Dani Olmo with a low cross. Thibaut Courtois reacted brilliantly to parry Olmo's first-time effort, but Fabian Ruiz was quickest to the rebound, smashing home from close range. Belgium responded positively and restored parity four minutes before halftime. Timothy Castagne delivered an inviting cross from the right and Charles De Ketelaere climbed above Pau Cubarsi to power a header beyond Unai Simon. The goal not only halted Spain's remarkable run of six consecutive World Cup clean sheets but also ended Simon's tournament record of 650 minutes without conceding. The second half developed into an absorbing tactical contest, with both sides searching for the breakthrough while remaining wary of leaving space at the back. Belgium's hopes suffered a major blow in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an injury after making his 21st World Cup appearance- moving him to second on the all-time list for goalkeepers behind Germany's Manuel Neuer, who has 23. Spain finally found the decisive moment two minutes from time. Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Courtois, failed to hold Cubarsi's speculative long-range effort, spilling the ball into the path of Merino. The Arsenal midfielder reacted instinctively, scoring from close range to spark jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters. Belgium pushed desperately for another equaliser in the closing moments, but Spain stood firm to secure a place in the last four for the first time in 16 years. The victory also extended La Roja's unbeaten run in regulation time to 36 matches, stretching back to a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia in 2024. Spain will now face France in a mouthwatering semi-final between two of the tournament's standout performers, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
