Spain secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals on Friday with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over a Belgium side severely hampered by injury problems. Mikel Merino, introduced as a substitute in the closing stages, struck the decisive blow in the 88th minute at the sold-out Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, converting from close range after Belgium's backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to properly handle a low strike from Pau Cubarsi.
The Spanish squad's path to the semi-final represents only the second occasion the nation has progressed this far in World Cup history. Spain's previous semi-final appearance came in 2010, when the team went on to claim the tournament title, establishing themselves as one of international football's dominant forces during that era. The country had only managed a fourth-place finish in 1950, when the competition still used a group-stage format for its final round rather than knockout matches.
Spain dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and attacking play, and their superiority translated into the opening goal when Fabian Ruiz pounced in the 30th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder capitalised on a loose ball after Thibaut Courtois made a diving save to intercept a dangerous chance, firing his effort through a gap created by defender Timothy Castagne's positioning and into the net. The goal vindicated coach Luis de la Fuente's tactical selection to start Ruiz ahead of Pedri, a decision many had questioned before kickoff given Pedri's prominence in Spanish football.
Belgium, already struggling with significant personnel absences, responded eleven minutes later through Charles De Ketelaere, whose perfectly-timed run saw him meet Timothy Castagne's cross with a well-placed header that evaded Spanish keeper Unai Simon. The goal marked the first time Spain had conceded in the entire tournament, highlighting the defensive solidity they had maintained up to that point. The equaliser injected fresh momentum into Belgium's performance, and the two teams battled through the remainder of the first half under intense heat at the stadium.
Belgium's injury woes proved crucial to their eventual downfall. Captain Youri Tielemans withdrew from the starting lineup mere minutes before kickoff after suffering a warm-up injury, necessitating Hans Vanaken's inclusion in midfield. The Belgian midfield had already been severely depleted by the absence of Amadou Onana, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during Belgium's round-of-16 victory against the United States. These absences clearly impacted Belgium's ability to control the middle of the park and provided Spain with additional space to operate.
Spain emerged from the half-time interval with renewed intensity and began systematically dismantling the Belgian defence. The Spanish sustained waves of pressure against a retreating Belgium backline, and their perseverance eventually broke through when Merino was introduced from the bench in the 86th minute. Just two minutes later, Merino capitalised on Cubarsi's low drive that Lammens, thrust into an unfamiliar role as backup goalkeeper, could not securely gather. The rebound fell kindly for Merino, who finished clinically as the predominantly Spanish crowd at the sold-out venue erupted in celebration.
The victory sets up an enticing semi-final clash in Dallas on Tuesday between Spain and France, widely regarded as the tournament's most formidable side. France enters the match as tournament favourites based on their collective talent and experience, though Spain's fluid passing game and attacking prowess will present a considerable challenge. The semi-final represents Spain's opportunity to advance towards a second World Cup triumph, while France seek to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018.
Spain's progression demonstrates the tournament's unpredictable nature and the manner in which injury misfortune can fundamentally alter a nation's prospects. Belgium, despite possessing technically gifted players in their squad, simply could not overcome the combined handicaps of missing key personnel and facing a Spanish team operating with tactical discipline and clinical finishing. The contrast between the two sides' preparations and available resources ultimately proved decisive in determining which team would advance to the penultimate stage.
The match attracted considerable celebrity attention, with the sold-out stadium hosting an array of notable figures from entertainment and sport. Among those in attendance were musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher, American actor Brad Pitt, and Spanish performers Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, reflecting the global prominence and cultural significance of World Cup football. The presence of such high-profile observers underscored the tournament's status as one of international sport's most prestigious and widely watched competitions.
