Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas after Mikel Merino pounced on a spilled shot from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, sealing a 2-1 win over Belgium in a tie overshadowed by Thibaut Courtois’ injury and Fabian Ruiz’s composed opener. The result sets up a high-stakes France vs Spain semi-final and leaves Belgium to rue missed chances and untimely injuries.
Spain 2–1 Belgium — Merino’s late intervention sends La Roja through
Mikel Merino’s quick reaction after Senne Lammens fumbled a Pau Cubarsi strike decided a tight quarter-final in Spain’s favour. Merino, introduced from the bench, had only his second touch of the match before poking home the rebound and advancing La Roja to a semi-final in Dallas.
Match summary: Ruiz opens, De Ketelaere equalises
Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead on 30 minutes, following up to score from the rebound after Dani Olmo’s effort was saved. Belgium fought back through Charles De Ketelaere, who met a Kevin De Bruyne delivery with a superb header to break Spain’s remarkable run of clean sheets. The deciding moment came late when Lammens, replacing an injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to hold Cubarsi’s shot and Merino finished clinically.
Key incidents that swung the game
Rodri’s arm appeared to make contact with the ball inside the box, but the handball was ruled non-penal under current guidance because the deflection came at close range from a teammate. The decision stood after VAR review. Earlier, referee Michael Oliver accidentally collided with Dani Olmo, halting play briefly but with no lasting consequence. The turning point remained Courtois’ withdrawal and the subsequent goalkeeper error.
Injury blow for Belgium: Courtois and Tielemans
Thibaut Courtois exited in tears with what appeared to be a left-thigh issue, depriving Belgium of a commanding presence between the posts. Youri Tielemans also missed the start after suffering a hamstring tweak in warmups, removing a key engine from Belgium’s midfield ahead of kick-off. The cumulative effect of those setbacks altered Belgium’s balance and undermined Rudi Garcia’s planned midfield control.
Why Lammens’ mistake mattered
Senne Lammens has earned plaudits at Manchester United this season, but limited international minutes and the sudden pressure of a World Cup knockout moment were costly. Courtois’ exit removed a goalkeeper whose shot-stopping and experience routinely mask defensive lapses; Lammens’ spill handed Spain a second bite and Merino showed the ruthlessness a tournament run demands.
Tactical analysis: Spain’s possession, Ruiz’s positional gamble
Luis de la Fuente’s choice to start Fabian Ruiz over Pedri provided greater positional variety and more directness in the final third. Ruiz’s willingness to push into attacking zones allowed Alex Baena and Dani Olmo to exploit space on the left, creating the opening for Spain’s first goal. Spain’s control of possession remained the defining feature: by denying Belgium sustained periods on the ball, they neutralised the Red Devils’ most dangerous outlets.
Belgium’s adaptation and missed opportunity
Belgium showed glimpses of their attacking quality, especially from Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity and De Ketelaere’s aerial threat, but injuries and a disrupted midfield structure blunted their consistency. Rudi Garcia’s bench options are strong in depth, but losing Tielemans and Onana earlier in the tournament has exposed Belgium’s reliance on a settled central pairing.
Refereeing and rules: Handball decision explained
The non-awarded penalty for the ball hitting Rodri’s arm was consistent with contemporary interpretations: when a deflection at close range comes off a teammate, the player struck has negligible opportunity to avoid contact. Match officials and VAR applied that guidance, and while Belgium protested, the decision aligned with the letter and spirit of the law.
What this result means — France awaits in Dallas
Spain now face France in a semi-final billed as a probable “real final,” pitting Spain’s possession control and tactical discipline against France’s explosive attacking roster led by Kylian Mbappé. Victory in Dallas would leave the winner heavily favoured heading into the final. For Belgium, the exit raises immediate questions about squad fitness and the margins that separate knockout success from disappointment.
Looking ahead: selection and recovery priorities
Spain will weigh minutes and recovery ahead of Tuesday’s showdown, likely reverting to their strongest core while managing workload. Belgium must assess Courtois and Tielemans rapidly; their availability would be decisive for Belgium’s preparations and for the wider club season that follows.
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In knockout football, small physical setbacks have outsized consequences — this match provided a stark reminder.
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