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.
Straightforward reporting of match events and quotes without editorializing.
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