Los Angeles (GNP): Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the second World Cup quarterfinal in Los Angeles, setting up a semifinal clash against France in Dallas on Wednesday.
Once again, Mikel Merino proved to be Spain’s difference-maker off the bench — a role he seems to have mastered at this tournament. Just days after coming on as a substitute to score a dramatic injury-time winner against Portugal, Merino found himself in the right place again when Belgium’s reserve goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his path. He converted in the 88th minute to seal Spain’s win and send them into a highly anticipated semifinal against tournament favorites France.
Merino admitted afterward that the pattern was almost hard to believe, joking that if it keeps happening, it must be more than coincidence — and that being ready when the chance arrives matters most.
A versatile player who fills multiple roles for both Spain and his club side Arsenal, Merino has increasingly become Spain’s go-to impact substitute, delivering crucial goals in back-to-back knockout rounds. Both of his World Cup goals so far have carried major significance for his team’s run.
He credited a mix of preparation and instinct for his impact off the bench, saying he stays ready and alert for the moment an opportunity presents itself, while hoping such chances continue to come his way.
How the Match Unfolded
Merino also acknowledged that a bit of fortune played a role. Belgium’s Senne Lammens was forced into his World Cup debut in the 71st minute after starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went off with an injury. Merino entered the match in the 86th minute and scored just two touches later, capitalizing after Lammens failed to control a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí.
Spain had taken the lead earlier through a rebound goal from Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, before Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute — becoming the first goal Spain had conceded at the tournament.
Merino’s late intervention proved decisive, lifting Spain past a determined Belgian side and into the World Cup semifinals for the first time since their title-winning run in 2010.
Read more: France Storm into Semi-Finals 2-0 Win Over Morocco
The matchup against France has been eagerly anticipated since the tournament draw was revealed, and Merino said the team is embracing the challenge, expressing confidence in Spain’s chances while respecting a formidable opponent. He described facing one of the world’s best teams on this stage as a childhood dream now within reach, adding that the squad hopes to come away with the win.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
