La Roja ready for semi-finals against France
Match report: Mikel Merino came in from the bench and scored another late winning goal – this time he took advantage of a blunder by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had to step in when Thibaut Courtois went off injured. Thus, Spain is ready for the semi-finals against France.
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Los Angeles: Spain secured a dream semi-final against France after beating Belgium 2-1 – thanks to a last-minute hero named Mikel Merino. – Then we will see if the experts are right that Spain is the only country that can stop France from winning the whole thing.
The substitute came on in the 88th minute and only needed 117 seconds to become the match winner. After substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens – who herself had come on late after a tearful Thibaut Courtois was forced off the pitch with injury – unleashed a shot from Pau Cubarsí, Merino was ready to put in the rebound.
The moment was as devastating for Lammens as it was magical for Merino. The Arsenal midfielder had barely touched the ball – it was only his second touch of the game.
Courtois in tears – Paralyzed into the hero
Thibaut Courtois was forced to leave the pitch in tears in the second half, and in came Manchester United’s Senne Lammens. A dramatic substitution that would have even greater consequences than anyone could have predicted.
Spain had earlier in the game been broken for the first time in this championship. Charles De Ketelaere, playing as an impromptu nine, headed in Timothy Castagne’s cross and equalised Fabián Ruiz’s well-curled opening goal.
But Luis de la Fuente’s side were not moved. Merino, who has so often saved Arsenal in big moments, refused to give up. For club and country, he continues to appear when it matters most.
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Historic Merino – the first of its kind
Mikel Merino is the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different playoff games as a substitute. He’s simply the man you want on the pitch when things go wrong.
Spain are still unbeaten since March 2023 – an incredible 36-game winning streak. Now tournament favorite France awaits in Texas on Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake. De la Fuente has now managed more major tournament matches without defeat than any other national team manager ever (13).
Spain 2-1 Belgium – key moments
- 30th min: GOAL! Fabián Ruiz takes advantage of weak handling from Courtois and hammers in the rebound from close range.
- 41st min: GOAL! Charles De Ketelaere heads Belgium to 1-1 after a tempting cross from Castagne.
- 47th min: CHANCE! Yamal is played through by Cubarsí, but Courtois saves one-on-one.
- 55th min: CHANCE! A delicious one-two between Doku and De Bruyne sets De Cuyper up – but the finish hits the side wall.
- 61st min: SAVES! Yamal and Oyarzabal are fended off by a busy Courtois.
- 72nd min: DAMAGE! Courtois is forced out – Lammens into goal.
- 88th min: GOAL! Mikel Merino puts in the rebound with his second touch after Lammens releases Cubarsí’s shot.
Merino: “It’s not a coincidence”
“I’ve done this before, and it’s happened again, so maybe it seems like a coincidence,” said a smiling Merino after the game. “But if you go in prepared, it can happen. If you are ready and try, it can happen to you. I’m very, very happy. Two games as a substitute in a World Cup – it’s a dream come true. Hopefully, we can go all the way.
Yamal, Rodri and the Spanish machine
Spain’s victory over Belgium was as close to classic La Roja as we have seen in this championship. The stars showed up – and Mikel Merino’s perfect timing is becoming a habit.
All the attention before the tournament was on Lamine Yamal, and he lived up to expectations. All of Spain’s fine, patient build-up went through him. He topped most creative stats with six shots and four successful dribbles – a performance that was equal parts artistry and effort.
But even more important to Spain’s success was Rodri. He is at the heart of everything that is good about De la Fuente’s team. The captain has made 62 line-breaking passes in the final third of this tournament – equalling Toni Kroos’ record from 2014. And he is far from finished.
All of Spain’s technicians seem to enter a kind of invisibility mode at the perfect time. They will not be knocked out. Now France awaits. And Spain is ready.
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