By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, propelling the European champions into the FIFA World Cup semifinals. Mikel Merino emerged as the hero for the second consecutive match, scoring a decisive late goal that broke a deadlock and pushed Spain to its first semifinal appearance since the nation’s 2010 title run. Spain will now prepare for a highly anticipated semifinal matchup against France in Dallas.
Early tactical shifts and opening goals
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente altered his starting lineup, opting for Fabián Ruiz in place of Pedri. The tactical adjustment yielded results shortly after the first-half hydration break. Lamine Yamal, making his sixth appearance of the tournament—the most ever by a player age 18 or under at a World Cup—initiated a clean buildup on the right flank. He found Pedro Porro, who delivered a cross to Dani Olmo. Although Courtois saved the initial attempt, the ball fell kindly to Ruiz for a simple tap-in.
Belgium responded before halftime. Timothy Castagne delivered a precise cross that allowed Charles De Ketelaere to beat goalkeeper Unai Simón with a glancing header. This goal marked the first time Spain conceded in the tournament, effectively ending a record 650-minute defensive streak that dated back to the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Injury woes derail Belgian momentum
Belgium entered the match facing significant personnel challenges. Captain Youri Tielemans was scratched from the starting lineup due to an injury sustained during warmups, a major blow for a side that had relied on his leadership throughout their run. The adversity intensified in the 71st minute when Thibaut Courtois, the team’s veteran goalkeeper, was forced to leave the field. Courtois, who had been instrumental in thwarting Spanish attacks throughout the match, appeared visibly emotional as he walked to the sidelines after receiving treatment for an apparent thigh injury.
The exit of Courtois proved to be the match’s pivotal turning point. His replacement, Senne Lammens, struggled to match the standard set by the Manchester United stopper. As the match drifted toward a conclusion that many anticipated would require extra time, a defensive lapse involving Lammens ultimately decided the outcome.
The decisive moment at SoFi Stadium
The winning goal arrived in the final stages of the match after Pau Cubarsí launched a long-range effort toward the Belgian goal. Lammens failed to secure the shot, spilling the ball directly back into the path of the onrushing Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder pounced on the rebound and finished into the roof of the net, marking yet another contribution from the bench. Merino had previously secured Spain’s victory in the round of 16 against Portugal in similar fashion.
This win extends Spain’s unbeaten streak to 36 games, placing them just one match away from matching Italy’s all-time record of 37. While Spain dominated long stretches of possession, Belgium showcased resilience and bravery in the face of mounting injuries. The result leaves Belgium to reflect on what might have been, as the match could represent the final World Cup appearance for several members of their so-called “Golden Generation,” including Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku. For Spain, the focus now shifts entirely to a formidable test against France.
The Weight of a Defining Moment
The intensity of this encounter highlights the precarious nature of tournament football, where the difference between progression and elimination often rests on singular moments of misfortune or brilliance. For Spain, the path forward requires maintaining this composure against a French side widely considered the tournament favorite, while Belgium exits with the bittersweet knowledge that they pushed the European champions to the absolute limit despite a wave of late-match personnel crises.
