World Cup: Merino winner sends Spain to semi-final

Spain scored a late winner to defeat Belgium 2-1 and progress into the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.

Mikel Merino was the difference maker for Spain netting the winner two minutes before the end of 90 minutes after Fabian Ruiz’s opener was cancelled by Charles De Ketelaere.

Spain had more control of the ball and created the better chances, and took the lead on 30 minutes through Ruiz who bundled home the rebound from a Dani Olmo shot.

Belgium continued to seek a way back into the match and De Ketelaere provided the key moment four minutes to halftime when he nodded past Unai Simon from Timothy Castagne’s cross.

Belgium first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to be replaced in the second half due to injury, but his replacement Senne Lemmens spilled a 25-yard shot that fell to Merino who slotted the ball into the net for a deserved winner. It was Merino’s second goal in successive World Cup matches, and both have been winners, adding to his heroics against Portugal in the round of 16.

Spain made it 36 matches unbeaten in regulation time, and are one match short of Italy’s record of 37 matches.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners have progressed from all seven of their major tournament knockout fixtures under coach Luis de la Fuente, and will face France in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 14 at the Dallas stadium.

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