Spain player ratings vs Belgium: Mikel Merino strikes again! Super-sub pounces on shocking Senne Lammens error to set up semi-final showdown with France after Lamine Yamal blanks again
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winning goal. The victory sets up a semi-final match against France in Arlington.
Why it matters
This match marks a significant progression in the World Cup tournament, highlighting the performance of key players and the tactical challenges faced by top-tier national teams.
Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to win a game for Spain as the European Champions beat Belgium 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup. La Roja unsurprisingly dominated possession from the first whistle in Los Angeles and, after plenty of patient probing, they took a deserved lead when Fabian Ruiz fired home from close range, after Thibaut Courtois had failed to parry a Dani Olmo shot to safety.
The report is a standard sports recap focusing on match events and player performance without political or social commentary.
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