Mikel Merino has become Spain's World Cup hero once again. He scored a crucial goal, sending Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium. This win sets up a major semifinal match against tournament favorite France.
Merino's Timely Goals
Just four days after scoring a game-winning goal against Portugal as a substitute, Merino found himself in a similar situation. In the quarterfinals, Belgium's backup goalkeeper fumbled the ball, and Merino kicked it into the net in the 88th minute.
Merino, who plays for English club Arsenal, is known for his versatility. He has now scored two historic goals in his first World Cup. He believes being prepared and alert helped him seize these opportunities.
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Start Your News DetoxMerino admitted he also needed some luck. Belgium's goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, was forced into the game in the 71st minute due to an injury to starter Thibaut Courtois. Merino entered the match in the 86th minute and scored on his second touch after Lammens lost control of a long shot.
Match Details and Semifinal Outlook
Spain's Fabián Ruiz scored the first goal in the 30th minute. However, Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere tied the game in the 41st minute. This was the first goal Spain had allowed in the entire World Cup.
Merino's late goal secured Spain's spot in the semifinals for the first time since they won the World Cup in 2010. Spain will now face France, a highly anticipated matchup.
Spain and France will play on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Both teams are undefeated in this World Cup. Spain's coach, Luis De La Fuente, expressed confidence in his team, calling it a "clash of giants."
Belgium's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, had to leave the game due to injury. His replacement, Senne Lammens, was the first goalkeeper other than Courtois to play for Belgium in the last four World Cup tournaments. Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, felt they played well but needed more luck to beat Spain.
Spain has now gone 37 competitive matches without a loss since March 2023. Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions has ended. Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simón, had not conceded a goal in a World Cup-record 650 minutes until De Ketelaere's goal.
