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Spain booked a blockbuster semi-final clash with France by beating Belgium 2-1 thanks to last-gasp specialist Michael Merino in Los Angeles.
The substitute came on in the 88th minute to pounce on an error by stand-in goalkeeper Seine Lammens, who was introduced late after an emotional Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured, turning in the rebound from Pau Cubersy’s opportunistic strike.
The moment was as exciting for Merino as it was for Lammens, coming back in the clutch after scoring a late winner against Portugal in the last round. He was on the field for just 117 seconds, scoring his second touchdown.
Thibaut Courtois was forced off in the second half, replacing Man Utd’s Seine Lammens.
Spain were infringed for the first time this World Cup in the first half, when provisional No. 9 Charles de Quetelet’s teasing cross from Timothee Kasten deflected off Unai Simon to cancel out a well-worked opener from Fabian Ruiz.
Fabian Ruiz (8) gave Spain the lead before half-time.
But Luis de la Fuente’s side were not to be denied, with Merino, so often Arsenal’s saviour, refusing to back down. For club and country, he continues to provide solutions in big moments, his only touch in the Belgium box resulting in the decisive goal.
Spain are unbeaten since March 2023, a remarkable streak of 36 matches, and will play tournament favorites France in a tense tie in Texas on Tuesday for the right to compete in the final. De la Fuente has now managed more games without losing in major tournaments than any other international manager (13).
Highlights from Los Angeles
Mikel Merino scored late for Spain in back-to-back games
30: Goal! Fabian Ruiz benefited from some poor Courtois handling and slammed home the rebound from close range.
41: Goal! Charles de Ketelaire headed home Castagne’s teasing cross to draw Belgium level.
47: Chance! Lamine Yamal is released by QB but is denied by Courtois 1vs1.
55: Chance! A lovely one-two between Doku and De Bruyne put past De Kuyper, who carelessly hit the side netting.
61: Saves! Lamine Yamal’s effort was saved by Warzabal before being beaten by the busy Courtois.
72: Hurt! Seine Lammens replaced Courtois in goal after injury forced him out.
88: Goal! Michael Merino scored his second touch after Cuberci’s low shot from Lamens was parried.
Merino: The late goal was no accident
“I did it again, and it happened to me again, so it seems like coincidences exist,” said a smiling Marino. “If you’re prepared, it can happen.
“If you’re ready and you try, it can happen for you. I’m very, very happy. Two games to win a World Cup is a dream come true – hopefully we can achieve it.”
The titans of Spain show up at the right time
Merino and Rodri jump for joy after Spain’s last-gasp victory over Belgium
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Spain’s win over Belgium was as close to vintage La Rosa as we’ve seen this tournament. Plenty of their stars emerged and Mikel Merino’s impeccable timekeeping came to the fore once again. It is becoming a habit.
All the pre-tournament hype was about Lamine Yamal and he was another to show his class on the night. Spain’s beautiful but patient nature was fed through him. He topped the most creative charts with six attempts on goal and four successful dribbles. A performance is equal parts artistry and art.
But central to Spain’s success was Rodri, the heart of everything for De La Fuente’s side. He is disturbed by such a burden. If anything, he is actually encouraged to take on additional responsibilities.
The Spain captain has made 62 line-breaking passes in the final third of this tournament, equaling the record set by Germany’s Toni Kroos in 2014 – and is still a long way off. All the techies in Spain seem to be going into stealth mode at the perfect time. They will not be easily moved away.
