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MIKEL Merino emerged as Spain's match-winner after climbing off the bench to score a dramatic late goal that secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium and sent the European champions into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
The decisive strike, which arrived in the 88th minute, sealed Spain's place in a last-four meeting with France in Dallas on Wednesday following a tense quarter-final encounter.
Spain broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried Dani Olmo's initial effort.
Belgium restored parity four minutes before the interval when Charles De Ketelaere powered home a header beyond Unai Simon after meeting an inviting cross from Timothy Castagne.
The match took another turn midway through the second half when Courtois was forced off with an injury and replaced by Senne Lammens, depriving Belgium of their experienced first-choice goalkeeper during the closing stages.
Spain capitalised late on as Merino, introduced after the 86th minute, pounced two minutes later when Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's powerful effort, allowing the substitute to convert the rebound and send La Roja into the semi-finals. - July 11, 2026
