INGLEWOOD, California — Spain reached the FIFA World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner in a tightly contested quarterfinal, setting up a last-four meeting with France.
Merino struck in the 88th minute after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort, allowing the midfielder to convert from close range and send Spain into the semifinals. The result extended Spain's unbeaten run in the tournament and kept alive its bid for a second World Cup title.
Spain controlled much of the opening half and took the lead in the 30th minute. Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest after Dani Olmo's effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois, finishing the rebound to give Luis de la Fuente's side the advantage.
Belgium responded before halftime despite creating fewer chances. Charles De Ketelaere headed home from Timothy Castagne's cross in the 41st minute, becoming the first player to score against Spain during the tournament and sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Spain continued to dominate possession after the restart, with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo helping generate sustained pressure. Belgium's defensive organization and several saves from Courtois kept the scores level until the experienced goalkeeper was forced off in the second half because of apparent discomfort, with Lammens replacing him.
The decisive moment came two minutes from full time when Cubarsí tested Lammens from distance. The goalkeeper spilled the ball into the path of Merino, who had only recently entered the match, and the midfielder calmly finished to seal Spain's place in the semifinals. It marked Merino's second successive knockout-stage winner after another decisive goal against Portugal in the previous round.
Spain will now face France in the semifinals, a matchup between two of the tournament favorites. The victory also means Spain has advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2010.
Belgium's campaign ended after a resilient performance in which it twice disrupted Spain's rhythm but ultimately could not withstand sustained late pressure. The defeat also followed the loss of Courtois during the second half, leaving Lammens to make his tournament debut under difficult circumstances.
