FIFA World Cup: Merino magic helps Spain edge Belgium, set up France semifinal
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals thanks to a late goal by Mikel Merino. Spain will now advance to the semi-finals to face France in Dallas.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event with significant cultural and economic impact on the participating nations.
Super-sub Mikel Merino turned hero once again, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute winner to guide Spain into the World Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday.Spain will now face tournament favourites France in a blockbuster semi-final clash in Dallas on Tuesday. "It will be a clash of giants," Spanish coach Luis De La Fuente said after the match.The decisive moment came just two minutes after Merino entered the pitch. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí unleashed a powerful long-range strike. Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled the rebound, allowing the Arsenal forward to charge in and tuck the ball home with only his second touch of the match. Merino had previously scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the Round of 16.It was a heartbreaking end for Belgium, who lost star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to a thigh injury in the 71st minute.
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