Spain Defeats Belgium to Set Up World Cup Semifinal Clash with France
Sport
Spain became the second semifinalist of the FIFA World Cup after defeating Belgium 2–1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal. Once again, substitute Mikel Merino proved decisive, scoring the winning goal and sending Spain through to the final four.
Spain controlled the game from the opening whistle, dominating possession and creating sustained pressure around the Belgian penalty area. Their superiority paid off when Fabián Ruiz converted the rebound after Thibaut Courtois failed to hold the initial shot.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium fought back. Charles De Ketelaere headed home to end Spain’s remarkable 580-minute clean-sheet streak at the tournament and restore parity.
Spain continued to dictate play after the break but struggled to convert their chances. The decisive moment came late in the match when Luis de la Fuente’s substitution once again made the difference. Just minutes after entering the field, Mikel Merino reacted quickest to Pau Cubarsí’s rebound and scored the winning goal.
With the victory, Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals, where they will face France on July 14. The winner of that clash will earn a place in the tournament final.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium fought back. Charles De Ketelaere headed home to end Spain’s remarkable 580-minute clean-sheet streak at the tournament and restore parity.
Spain continued to dictate play after the break but struggled to convert their chances. The decisive moment came late in the match when Luis de la Fuente’s substitution once again made the difference. Just minutes after entering the field, Mikel Merino reacted quickest to Pau Cubarsí’s rebound and scored the winning goal.
With the victory, Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals, where they will face France on July 14. The winner of that clash will earn a place in the tournament final.
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