Mikel Merino once again produced a late, decisive goal to propel Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, scoring an 88th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Belgium. The substitute pounced on a spilled shot by Belgium's replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had come on for the injured Thibaut Courtois, to continue his remarkable habit of scoring crucial late goals for his country.
Merino's hat-trick of late heroics
Merino, who also scored late winners in the European Championship semi-final two years ago and the World Cup quarter-final four days earlier, made it a hat-trick of dramatic interventions. His two-month-old son Marco was in attendance, prompting Merino to say: "As he wasn't there for the quarter-finals, I had to do it in the semi-final too so he could experience it as well."
Spain had dominated much of the match, taking the lead through Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute after Courtois parried Dani Olmo's shot. But Belgium equalized just before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne, set up by Kevin De Bruyne. The goal ended Spain's run of not conceding in the tournament, which had lasted 40 minutes and 12 seconds into their sixth game.
Courtois injury proves costly
The turning point came early in the second half when Courtois, who had made several key saves, was forced off in tears with a thigh injury. Lammens replaced him but could not replicate the Real Madrid goalkeeper's composure. With less than five minutes remaining, Pau Cubarsí's shot was spilled by Lammens, and Merino reacted quickest to smash home the rebound.
Belgium had already lost Youri Tielemans before kick-off due to injury, and De Bruyne also had to be substituted later in the half. Despite their resistance, Spain's pressure finally told. "A giant obstacle had been removed from Spain's path," but the team still struggled to break through until Merino's intervention.
Spain's midfield decision vindicated
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's decision to start Fabián Ruiz over Pedri proved inspired, as Ruiz scored the opening goal and created the first real chance. Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro were also influential, with Yamal setting up Porro's cross for the first goal. Spain dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Belgium's defense held firm until the late drama.
"This was cruel on Belgium, although Spain will feel justice was done given how they dominated," noted the match report. The win sets up a semi-final clash for Spain, while Belgium's World Cup campaign ends in heartbreak. Merino's late goal once again proved decisive, cementing his reputation as a supersub.
