Spain survives Belgian test as Merino’s magic sparks semi-final clash with France
Key Points(5)
- Mikel Merino has developed a remarkable habit of arriving exactly when Spain needs him most.
- His latest act of heroism also set the stage for one of the tournament’s most anticipated contests, a blockbuster semi-final against unbeaten tournament favorite France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
- A substitute who keeps changing history Merino had already become Spain’s savior after his stoppage-time strike eliminated Portugal just four days earlier.
- Against Belgium, history repeated itself in astonishing fashion.
- Introduced in the 86th minute, Merino needed only two touches to make his mark.
Mikel Merino has developed a remarkable habit of arriving exactly when Spain needs him most.
For the second consecutive knockout match, the Arsenal midfielder emerged from the bench to rescue La Roja, this time burying an 88th-minute winner that sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday and propelled Spain into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the first time since its triumphant 2010 campaign.
His latest act of heroism also set the stage for one of the tournament’s most anticipated contests, a blockbuster semi-final against unbeaten tournament favorite France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
A substitute who keeps changing history
Merino had already become Spain’s savior after his stoppage-time strike eliminated Portugal just four days earlier. Against Belgium, history repeated itself in astonishing fashion.
Introduced in the 86th minute, Merino needed only two touches to make his mark. When Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort, the alert midfielder reacted instantly, racing into the penalty area to convert the loose ball and send Spain into celebration.
“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” a smiling Merino said. “If you’re ready and you try, I guess it can happen for you.”
The decisive finish gave Merino his second goal of his first World Cup, both coming in the knockout rounds and both proving decisive.
“Honestly, it’s crazy to be able to help the team once again,” he said. “This time in a different way, but at the same time to believe and trust that the opposing goalkeeper could make a mistake and to stay alert.”
Spain overcomes Belgium’s stubborn resistance
Spain appeared on course for a routine victory after Fabián Ruiz put the European giants ahead in the 30th minute, reacting quickest to score from a rebound.
Belgium, however, refused to fade away.
Charles De Ketelaere leveled the match in the 41st minute, becoming the first player to breach Spain’s defense throughout the entire tournament and injecting fresh belief into the Belgian side.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a significant setback in the 71st minute when veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury. Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens was thrust into his first appearance of the World Cup and performed admirably until his costly late spill presented Merino with the opportunity he rarely wastes.
Built for the biggest moments
Known for his versatility with both Spain and Arsenal, Merino has embraced a new identity during this World Cup, one of football’s ultimate impact substitutes.
His instinct, composure, and relentless anticipation have now delivered two historic victories and transformed him into one of the tournament’s defining figures.
While he acknowledged that fortune played its part against Belgium, Merino emphasized that preparation and belief made the difference.
Eyes turn to a heavyweight semi-final
Spain’s reward is a long-awaited showdown with France, a matchup many expected could decide the tournament after the World Cup draw was unveiled last year.
Both nations enter Tuesday’s semi-final undefeated, raising expectations for what promises to be one of the competition’s marquee encounters.
“We came here for this, to play against the best teams in the world,” Merino said. “We are confident in our possibilities, at the same time respecting the opposition. This is one of those games that you dream of when you’re a kid, and now we have the chance to compete against a massive rival. Hopefully we’ll get the win.”
Spain head coach Luis De La Fuente welcomed the challenge, expressing complete confidence in his squad despite France’s status as tournament favorite.
“It will be a clash of giants,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said through a translator. “We are capable of winning this game, and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well. They are a great giant of football, but I trust our team.”
With Merino producing decisive moments whenever Spain calls upon him, La Roja heads into its biggest test believing its World Cup dream is very much alive.
