Spain Edges Belgium 2-1 with Late Merino Strike to Reach World Cup Semi-finals
July 10, 2026 ยท By yayscore Newsroom
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Spain secured their spot in the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, decided by a crucial late goal from Mikel Merino.
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a tense World Cup Quarter-finals match, ensuring their progression to the next knockout round. The game saw both sides exchange goals before a late surge from Spain ultimately decided the tie in regulation time.
F. Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, putting them in the lead. However, Belgium quickly responded with C. De Ketelaere finding an equalizer in the 41st minute, assisted by T. Castagne, sending the teams into halftime locked at 1-1. The second half saw a more cautious approach from both teams, with Spain dominating possession at 68% but struggling to break down Belgium's defense.
As the match approached its conclusion, Spain's persistent pressure paid off. A decisive goal from M. Merino in the 88th minute, shortly after he was substituted on, ultimately secured the 2-1 victory for Spain. This late strike proved to be the turning point, denying Belgium any further chances to equalize and forcing their elimination from the tournament. Belgium's K. De Bruyne received a yellow card for holding in the 85th minute, just before Spain's winning goal.
This win sees Spain advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup, continuing their quest for the title. Belgium, on the other hand, is eliminated from the competition in the Quarter-finals, ending their tournament run.