Spain defeat Belgium to reach World Cup semi-finals
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal match at SoFi Stadium to advance to the semi-finals against France. Mikel Merino scored the winning goal after a defensive error by Belgium's substitute goalkeeper.
Why it matters
This match determines the progression of major international teams in a high-stakes global tournament.
Super sub Mikel Merino broke Belgian hearts and sent Spain through to a World Cup semifinal against France with a late goal in a gripping 2-1 win on Friday.
The stunning finish at SoFi Stadium sets up a tantalising showdown between European champions Spain and the tournament favourites France and the red-hot Kylian Mbappe in Dallas on Tuesday.
But it was heartbreak for Belgium's substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, sent on late, who spilt a shot into the path of Merino.
The dramatic finale came after Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring for Spain, before Charles De Ketelaere grabbed one back for Belgium against the run of play before halftime.
Welcoming Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku back to the starting XI, Belgium were rocked by a hamstring injury during the warm-ups to captain Youri Tielemans that hit them hard.
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