Spain have overcome Belgium 2-1 in their World Cup quarter-final at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
It was a Fabian Ruiz goal that gave the European champions the lead on the half-hour mark, as he tucked away a close-range shot after Thibaut Courtois palmed Dani Olmo’s shot right into his path. However, shortly before half-time, Charles De Ketelaere nodded home a cross to bring Belgium level in timely fashion.
It marked the first time that Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side had conceded at this tournament, and it was an encouraging response by Belgium after they lost their captain Youri Tielemans to a pre-match injury – after the midfielder had already been named in the starting XI.
Another injury struck Belgium late in the game, though, with goalkeeper Courtois going off in tears. And his replacement Senne Lammens spilled the ball to Mikel Merino in the final minutes, allowing the Spaniard to smash home a rebound for a 2-1 win.
Follow all the fallout from Spain v Belgium in our live blog below:
De la Fuente bullish about Spain’s chances against France
Luis de la Fuente believes France will be just as worried about Spain as La Roja are about Les Bleus.
Translated from his native Spanish, de la Fuente declared: “We are going to work towards trying to surprise France. They will be as equally worried about us – we have been the only national team in the world to beat them in two consecutive games.”
De la Fuente is referring to the fact that Spain beat France in the semi-finals of both the Euros and Nations League – going on to win the tournament both times. Third time’s the charm?
Further omens for Spain
When Spain lifted the World Cup for the first time in 2010, they defeated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, before defeating a European rival in the semi-finals.
Alongside the similarly strong defensive records – Spain conceded just twice in seven games back in 2010 – Spain have beaten Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, and are set to face a European rival in the form of France in the semis.
Perhaps a tenuous link.
De la Fuente ‘proud’ of Spain’s character.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has spoken to Teledeporte and DAZN after victory over Belgium.
Translated from his native Spanish, de la Fuente remarked: “It’s the character of the team in any circumstance or situation. I reiterate how proud I am to manage this team, which has desires to grow and improve.
“We have done more than enough to win more comfortably. The difficult thing is to win – let us appreciate that.”
Spain’s defence breached – warning signs for what’s to come?
After 649 minutes without conceding, Spain finally let a goal in when Charles De Ketelaere nodded past Unai Simon.
Spain eventually settled back and looked solid again – aside from the two occasions where Simon went AWOL, running out of his goal.
Perhaps those were jitters after being breached for the first time, but will those nerves settle for the semi against France?
Any defender would tremble at the thought of facing Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise on current form.
Spain v Belgium player ratings
Alex Baena, 6: Emulated Road Runner with the amount of runs he made all over the pitch and especially in the final third. A constant danger but lacked the clinical finish.
Charles De Ketelaere, 8: Great strength to hold off Cubarsi long enough to nod Belgium back on level terms. Still doesn’t look the most natural up top but took his chance well.
Full ratings here:
Was that the last we’ve seen of De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois at a major tournament?
Belgium’s golden generation is a phrase that has been given a lot of mileage, and whilst big names have already retired, such as Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, and Jan Vertonghen, the tag lived on with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois.
However, at 35, 33, and 34 respectively, we might have seen the last of the trio at a major tournament – almost certainly a World Cup.
Will any of Belgium’s squad call it quits on the international stage after a strong showing this summer?
Merino’s record at major tournaments
So, that’s two goals for Mikel Merino at this summer’s World Cup.
But the Arsenal man has scored for Spain before at a major tournament – a 119th minute winner against Germany in the quarter finals of the 2024 Euros.
Of course, Spain went on to lift the trophy two summers ago – is Merino’s late heroics a good omen this year?
Inexplicable Lammens error costs Belgium as Spain’s Merino grabs match-winning mantle again
No wonder Spain boss Luis de la Fuente can’t resist keeping Mikel Merino on the bench. It’s now two World Cup knockout games deadlocked, two World Cup knockout games won by the left boot of the Arsenal midfielder. On Monday, it was against Portugal in Dallas; here in the Californian sunshine, he was quickest following in, anticipating an error from the Belgian goalkeeper. Slamming the ball into the roof of the net two minutes from time, he sends his country into a tantalising semi-final showdown with fellow European heavyweights France on Tuesday.
Only, it wasn’t meant to be this way for this valiant Belgian team. The cruel turn of the tide came 20 minutes from the end when Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, trudged off inconsolable after sustaining a thigh injury. A very capable No 2 in Man Utd’s Senne Lammens took his place but it was his error, his inability to hold on to Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort, his incomprehensible spill of the football into Merino’s path, which will be the lasting image of their World Cup campaign.
Nine minutes – two goals for Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino was the hero for Spain once again, coming off the bench to grab the winner against Belgium – just as he did versus Portugal.
He was on the pitch for four minutes (plus seven in added time) against Belgium. Against Portugal, it was just five regular minutes needed for Merino to make an impact.
Two quarter finals down, two to go
So, one half of the bracket for the semi finals has been filled – France and Spain are locked in.
Another two from Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland will make up the final four.
England and Norway are up next at 10pm tomorrow night.
