World Cup Sports Desk — Mikel Merino emerged as the ultimate savior for Spain, netting a dramatic 88th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium and guide La Roja into the World Cup semifinals.
The hard-fought triumph at the Rose Bowl not only propelled Luis de la Fuente’s men into the final four but also effectively exorcised the demons of Spain’s recent World Cup disappointments.
Since capturing their maiden global crown in 2010, the Spanish national team had been plagued by an unexplained tournament jinx.
They suffered a humiliating group-stage exit in 2014, followed by consecutive, agonizing Round-of-16 eliminations in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022).
However, this vibrant new generation—spearheaded by the brilliance of Lamine Yamal and Pedri—has finally broken the curse, putting Spain back where they belong among the footballing elite.
Tactical Gambles and Breakthrough
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente raised eyebrows before kickoff by leaving star midfielder Pedri on the bench. The tactical gamble, however, paid immediate dividends through Fabian Ruiz.
Operating in an advanced role, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
The opening goal owed much to Dani Olmo’s long-range ambition and a rare lapse from Real Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois. Olmo’s stinging effort from distance was initially parried by Courtois, but the Belgian goalkeeper failed to push the ball out of the danger zone.
Ruiz reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound to slot it home and give Spain a deserved lead.
Belgium Responds
Despite an unconvincing group-stage campaign, Belgium demonstrated their elite knockout-stage pedigree by fighting back into the contest.
Domenico Tedesco’s side gradually grew into the game, neutralizing Spain’s midfield rhythm, and found their equalizer just four minutes before the halftime whistle.
Timothy Castagne delivered a sublime, pinpoint cross into the heart of the Spanish penalty area.
Charles De Ketelaere anticipated the delivery perfectly, rising above the Spanish defense to plant a powerful header past a helpless Unai Simón, who stood no chance of stopping the equalizer.
Dominance and the Crucial Breakthrough
Spain asserted absolute dominance in the second half, maintaining a staggering 68% possession and registering 18 attempts on goal.
The Spanish frontline, particularly prodigy Lamine Yamal on the right flank, relentlessly tested the Belgian backline.
Yamal forced Courtois into a series of world-class reflex saves, including a brilliant stop from a curling free-kick and two venomous left-footed drives, before the Belgian goalkeeper was forced off later in the half with an injury.
As the match seemed destined for extra time, Spain’s persistent pressure finally broke Belgium’s resistance in the 88th minute.
Young defender Pau Cubarsí unleashed a powerful low drive into the box. Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Courtois, failed to cleanly handle the fierce shot.
The rebound fell perfectly to Arsenal’s versatile midfielder-turned-striker Mikel Merino, who calmly tapped the ball into an empty net, triggering ecstatic celebrations on the Spanish bench.
Looking Ahead
With Belgium unable to mount a response in the dying minutes, Spain successfully managed the remainder of the game to book their tickets to the semifinals.
Having successfully shed their decade-long knockout hoodoo, La Roja now march forward into the last four with immense momentum, firmly establishing themselves as frontrunners to lift the coveted trophy.