Home / Sports / Spain stuns Belgium with late goal, reaches World Cup semis
Spain stuns Belgium with late goal, reaches World Cup semis
10 Jul
Summary
- Mikel Merino scored the late winning goal for Spain.
- Thibaut Courtois was injured and substituted late in the match.
- Spain will face France in the next round of the World Cup.
Spain has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium. Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the match-winner, scoring his second consecutive late, decisive goal in a major tournament. Merino's goal came in the 88th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball and securing Spain's passage to face France next week.
Earlier, Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz in the 30th minute, following a well-worked move initiated by the midfield. Belgium managed to equalize just before halftime with a header from Charles De Ketelaere, assisted by Kevin De Bruyne and Timothy Castagne. The second half saw both teams create chances, but the game shifted when Belgium's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was forced off due to injury.
