Spain survived a tough test from Belgium to reach the first World Cup semifinal since 2010, with super-sub Mikel Merino repeating his late-heroic act to seal a 2-1 quarter-final win. Fabián Ruiz put La Roja ahead, before a header from Charles De Ketelaere leveled things up just before the break. After Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens let a late shot slip through, and Merino pounced — scoring the winners in two straight knockout matches. The miracle of Belgium’s golden generation once again failed to materialize, while Spain advanced to face France.

Spain 2-1 Belgium

Lamine Yamal fired an early warning shot as Spain slowly took control despite Belgium’s brave high press. The decisive goal came in the 30th minute — a sharp one-two pass between Yamal and Pedro Porro freed Dani Olmo, whose effort was parried straight back by Thibaut Courtois into Fabián Ruiz, who finished via a deflection. Belgium responded brilliantly: a cross from the right wing by Timothy Castagne was met by Charles De Ketelaere with an unbelievable glancing header that slipped past Pau Cubarsi in the 41st minute. Pau Cubarsi was booked for pulling down De Bruyne’s shorts, while Rodri’s handball was not punished despite angering Belgium. The second half turned brutal when Courtois — making his 21st World Cup appearance — came off on tears with a thigh injury, replaced by Manchester United’s Senne Lammens. Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and Joaquin Seys; Spain brought on Nico Williams and Mikel Merino — heroes of the last 16 against Portugal. Near stoppage time, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a 25-yard strike that Lammens could not hold back. Merino, with impressive positioning instincts, snapped up the rebound to smash it off the top of the goal in the 88th minute. Aymeric Laporte and Witsel received yellow cards late on, and Unai Simon survived a tense clash with Lukaku in extra time. 
 
Next Match for July 11 (all times ET):
5PM ET — Norway vs England, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
9PM ET — Argentina vs Switzerland, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City