Soccer-Magic Merino strikes again as Spain down Belgium to reach World Cup semis
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals following a late goal by substitute Mikel Merino. The match was decided after a critical error by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Why it matters
The result determines the semi-final bracket for the 2026 World Cup, setting up a high-profile match between Spain and France.
INGLEWOOD, California, July 10 (Reuters) - Super-sub Mikel Merino snatched another late winner for Spain on Friday after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto the ball as they claimed a 2-1 win over their injury-hit opponents and set up a World Cup semi-final clash with France.
After the teams went in level at 1-1 following the first half, Spain eventually prevailed when Belgian back-up keeper Lammens, who came on in the second period for the injured Thibaut Courtois, spilled Pau Cubarsi's low strike.
The ball bounced in front of Lammens, giving Merino just enough time to fire home as the sold-out crowd largely backing Spain erupted on a sweltering day at Los Angeles Stadium.
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