Shillong: Mikel Merino struck late to push Spain into the World Cup semifinals. He tapped in a rebound in the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Belgium. Spain now sets its sights on a semifinal showdown against France in Arlington.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute. Belgium answered back before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross. The goal ended goalkeeper Unai Simon’s record streak of 650 scoreless minutes. It was the first goal Spain allowed all tournament.
Belgium took a hit when veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears with an injury. Substitute Senne Lammens took his place. Lammens played well until he spilled a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsi, giving Merino an easy chance at the winner. "I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again," Merino said.
Belgium tried to force an equalizer in stoppage time. Aymeric Laporte made a desperate goal-line clearance to save the win. The result ends Belgium’s 18-match unbeaten streak. Spain now stretches its own undefeated run to 37 games. Coach Luis De La Fuente expects a battle on Tuesday. He said, "It will be a clash of giants."
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