Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals on Friday with a tense 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium in Inglewood, California. The win ensures that Spain will face Kylian Mbappé's France in the next round.
Manager Luis de la Fuente's selection calls proved successful as Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored the goals to secure the win. Despite having players like Lamine Yamal on the squad, Spain relied on a late strike to break the deadlock.
Mikel Merino, who came off the bench, scored the winning goal in the 88th minute. The decisive moment occurred after a slip from Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, breaking Belgian hearts in the dying moments of the knockout match.
The result felt inevitable for much of the game as Spain continued its march in the tournament. Merino once again delivered in a crucial moment, cementing his role in Spain's progression to the semi-finals.