World Cup live updates, bracket: Spain tops Belgium on late Mikel Merino goal, sets semifinal date with France
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals following a late goal by Mikel Merino. Spain will now face France in the semifinals on July 14 in Dallas.
Why it matters
The result narrows the field in the World Cup, setting up a high-stakes semifinal match between two major European football powers.
The World Cup is down to its final six teams after Spain and Belgium duked it out for 90 minutes in Los Angeles on Friday. In the end, La Roja escaped with a 2-1 win. Spain was first on the board with a tight finish in the box from Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, but the Red Devils equalized before the first-half whistle on a brilliant header from Charles De Ketelaere. With regulation time nearing an end, Spain substituted Mikel Merino on at the 86-minute mark and the super sub saved the day yet again with a goal in the 88th minute to deliver La Roja another late win. Merino pounced on an awkward deflection from Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was subbed on for Red Devils legend Thibaut Courtois late in the game.Spain will now advance to play France on Tuesday, July 14, at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas, after Les Bleus booked the tournament's first semifinal berth Thursday with a 2-0 win over Morocco, remaining perfect through five matches. There are now two semifinal spots left, with Norway set to face England and Argentina facing Switzerland on Saturday.World Cup bracket after Friday's gameCLICK TO ENLARGE: How the World Cup knockout picture looks after Friday's game. (Yahoo Sports illustration)WorldCup quarterfinals scheduleFinal: France 2, Morocco 0 Final: Spain 2, Belgium 1Saturday, July 11, 5 p.m. ET (Fox): Norway vs. England Saturday, July 11, 9 p.m. ET (Fox): Argentina vs. Switzerland Follow along here for live updates, highlights, goals and analysis as Spain and Belgium battle for a spot in the semifinals:World Cup bracketCLICK TO ENLARGE: World Cup bracket after Thursday's match. (Yahoo Sports illustration)
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