Spain reaches World Cup semifinals as Mikel Merino delivers late winner vs. Belgium - Yahoo Sports
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to a late goal by Mikel Merino. The victory advances Spain to a semifinal match against France.
Why it matters
The result determines the bracket for the World Cup semifinals, featuring a high-profile matchup between two tournament favorites.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — There's little doubt where Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will turn should his team find itself in need of a late goal the rest of this World Cup.
He'll call upon Spain's talisman, its super sub, the attacking midfielder who can't seem to stop scoring dramatic goals in the dying seconds of big matches.
With the score tied in the 88th minute of Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium , Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a routine shot from Spain's Pau Cubarsí in the penalty area. Mikel Merino was quickest to react, pouncing on the mistake and slamming home the rebound to give Spain a 2-1 victory and a place in the World Cup semifinals.
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