Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup quarter-final after Mikel Merino pounced on a late goalkeeper spill, sending La Roja into a rare semi-final. Rodri dominated midfield, Lamine Yamal supplied the spark, and Thibaut Courtois’s exit through injury proved decisive. Spain now meet France in the last four on Tuesday 14 July in Dallas — a hostile test that will expose whether La Roja’s midfield mastery can beat France’s firepower.
Spain 2–1 Belgium — Quarter-final recap: Merino’s late strike sends La Roja through
Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals with a nervy 2-1 win over Belgium, clinched by Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute finish after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a save.
The result caps a match in which Rodri controlled midfield tempo, Lamine Yamal dazzled intermittently, and Thibaut Courtois made several key stops before being forced off injured.
Key moments and goals
Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead midway through the first half after Dani Olmo’s effort was parried by Courtois and Ruiz reacted quickest to fire the rebound home. Belgium equalised in the 41st minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s intelligent pass created space for Timothy Castagne to cross, allowing Charles De Ketelaere to power a headed finish.
Spain regained the lead late when Merino capitalised on a loose ball after Lammens failed to hold a high shot. The 88th-minute strike sealed Spain’s progression and ended Belgium’s tournament.
How the game unfolded: control, moments of danger, and the late drama
From a tactical perspective, Spain imposed a clear structure through Rodri’s anchoring presence. He dictated transitions, recycled possession, and limited Belgium’s midfield time on the ball for long spells. Lamine Yamal remained Spain’s biggest creative outlet — her interplay with Pedro Porro set up the early chance that led to Ruiz’s goal.
Belgium’s threat arrived primarily through Kevin De Bruyne’s vision. His clever distribution repeatedly unlocked Spain’s lines and directly contributed to the equaliser. The Red Devils also carried danger on the break, with Maxim De Cuyper’s second-half strike flashing narrowly wide after a De Bruyne–Jeremy Doku combination.
Player analysis: who delivered — and who didn’t
Rodri: the midfield governor
Rodri’s performance was authoritative. His positional discipline allowed Spain to control tempo without overreliance on possession for its own sake. Against France in the semi, maintaining that midfield dominance will be Spain’s clearest path to neutralising an explosive opponent.
Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo: flashes of excellence
Yamal provided the creative moments that unsettled Belgium, combining speed and low-centre-of-gravity dribbling with quick thinking in tight spaces. Dani Olmo’s movement and persistence created the initial chance that led to Ruiz’s opener — a useful reminder of Spain’s multi-layered attacking options.
Thibaut Courtois and the goalkeeper conundrum
Courtois kept Belgium in the game with several instinctive saves, but his injury and forced exit around the final 20 minutes shifted momentum. His replacement, Senne Lammens, produced a fine stop earlier but ultimately spilled a workmanlike attempt that Merino punished. For Belgium, goalkeeper uncertainty at this stage is a glaring vulnerability.
What this result means
Spain’s victory confirms the national side is back among the tournament elite, blending tactical maturity with youthful spark. Rodri’s midfield control gives La Roja a realistic chance to contend with France’s attacking threats, but Spain must convert possession into clear-cut chances against a world-class opponent.
For Belgium, elimination exposes a team still searching for consistent cutting edge and collective resilience when games tilt against them. Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity remained a bright spot, but defensive lapses and late-game frailties cost them.
Looking ahead: semi-final test vs France
Spain now face France in Dallas on Tuesday 14 July at 20:00 (UK). Tactically, the matchup will hinge on whether Spain can sustain midfield control without allowing Kylian Mbappé and co. free transition opportunities. Expect Spain to prioritise compactness and quick vertical passes; success will depend on defensive concentration and clinical finishing.
Takeaway
This was a reminder that tournaments are often decided by small margins: moments of individual brilliance, an injury at a crucial time, or a goalkeeper’s error.
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Spain showed the blend of structure and creativity necessary to advance; whether that blend is enough to topple France will define how far this Spain side can go.
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