Spain defeats Belgium 2-1 with late Merino goal to reach World Cup semifinal
Mikel Merino scored a rebound in the 88th minute after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens mishandled a shot, giving Spain a 2-1 win and a place in the semifinal against France.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday. The match was tied when Belgium's substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a routine shot in the penalty area in the 88th minute. Merino reacted quickly, converting the rebound to give Spain the lead.
Merino, who also scored the decisive extra-time goal against Portugal in the round of 16, became the second consecutive substitute to provide Spain with a winning strike in the knockout stage. Spain's earlier goal came in the 30th minute when Dani Olmo's shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois and the rebound was finished by Fabián Ruiz.
Belgium equalised in the 41st minute through a header by Charles De Ketelaere after a pass from Kevin De Bruyne set up Timothy Castagne. The Belgian side entered the match without captain Youri Tielemans, who withdrew due to injury, and were missing midfielder Amadou Onana.
The win sets up a semifinal clash with France on Tuesday, a match that will determine which team progresses to the final.