Merino’s late strike sends Spain past Belgium into World Cup semi-final against France.
Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday to book a blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash against France after a dramatic encounter decided by a late goal following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The underdogs had responded strongly after falling behind to Fabian Ruiz’s opener in the 30th minute at a sweltering SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Belgium levelled the contest just before half-time, with Charles De Ketelaere finding the net in the 41st minute to set up a tense second half.
It was the first goal Spain had conceded at the tournament.
With the tense quarter-final appearing destined for extra time, Pau Cubarsí unleashed a long-range effort from around 25 yards. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was unable to hold onto the shot, allowing Spain to regain the lead and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Mikel Merino was in the right place to turn in the rebound in the 88th minute, securing Spain’s dramatic victory.
It was a painful moment for Lammens, but Merino — who had also scored the decisive goal against Portugal in the last 16 — turned towards the packed Spanish supporters among the 70,492 fans at the stadium and celebrated his match-winning contribution.
“It seems like a coincidence, but if you go into games prepared, these moments can happen again. I’m thrilled. I doubt it will happen again, but we’ll see,” Merino said after scoring his second consecutive winning goal, with both coming shortly after he was introduced as a substitute.
Merino said Spain were looking forward to their semi-final meeting with France.
“We came here for this moment and we believe in our abilities. These are the kinds of games you dream about as a child,” he added.
Lammens had only featured because Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury in the second half. The experienced Courtois went over to console Lammens at the final whistle after the heartbreaking defeat.
Spain needed a slice of luck after struggling to break down a determined Belgian defence.
Lamine Yamal began to make a greater impact as the match progressed, repeatedly troubling Belgium down the right flank with his skill and movement after a relatively quiet tournament by his standards. His performance earned him the player-of-the-match award.
France, who comfortably defeated Morocco 2-0 on Thursday to reach the semi-finals, will have taken note of moments when Spain’s defence appeared vulnerable as they prepare for their showdown in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.
Red-letter Saturday
The remaining two quarter-finals will be played on Saturday, with a packed schedule of World Cup action set to determine the other semi-finalists.
Norway will face England in Miami, with Norway coach Ståle Solbakken saying the battle between star strikers Erling Haaland and Harry Kane could prove decisive in determining the outcome.
Haaland has scored seven goals in his first four appearances at a major tournament, inspiring Norway to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since returning to the competition after a 28-year absence.
Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City forward in the tournament scoring charts, having taken his World Cup tally to 14 while helping England reach the quarter-finals for the third consecutive time.
“I think it is Norway versus England, but it is no secret that Kane is England’s number one match-winner and Haaland is our number one match-winner,” Solbakken said during his pre-match press conference.
England’s push to return to the semi-finals after their quarter-final exit four years ago has suffered another setback, with defender Marc Guéhi doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
Guéhi will undergo further assessment on Friday, but with Jarell Quansah suspended for the quarter-final after his red card against Mexico in the previous round, coach Thomas Tuchel faces defensive concerns as he prepares to contain the threat of Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile, France delivered a commanding performance on Thursday, making a strong Morocco side look outmatched in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Kylian Mbappé scored his eighth goal of the tournament and his 20th in World Cup history, before Ousmane Dembélé added a second to seal France’s place in the semi-finals.
France captain Kylian Mbappé was substituted and seen applying an ice pack to his foot, but he was quick to reassure supporters that the issue was not serious.
