Mikel Merino's 88th-minute intervention sealed a dramatic 2–1 comeback for Spain over Belgium, sending La Roja into the World Cup semifinals and extending their unbeaten run to 36 matches. Fabián Ruiz had opened the scoring; Charles De Ketelaere leveled with a towering header. Spain dominated possession but needed late heroics to avoid extra time and now face France with a place in the final at stake.
Spain 2–1 Belgium — Merino’s late strike books Spain a semifinal spot
Spain edged Belgium 2–1 in a tense knockout tie that showcased La Roja’s midfield control and late-game resolve. Fabian Ruiz’s composed finish put Spain ahead, Charles De Ketelaere responded with a powerful header, and Mikel Merino’s late poacher’s goal settled the contest.
The win preserves Spain’s 36-game unbeaten run and sets up a high-stakes semifinal against France.
How the match unfolded
Spain dominated possession from the start, carving through Belgium with crisp passing and a controlled tempo. Fabian Ruiz recycled a Dani Olmo attempt and slotted home from the rebound after a stop by Thibaut Courtois to make it 1–0. Belgium, diminished by injuries and stretched by Spain’s rhythm, struck back when De Ketelaere bullied his way in the box to head home the equaliser.
The game looked destined for extra time until Mikel Merino—introduced as a super sub—pounced on a spilled save in the 88th minute to win it. Spain saw the remainder out with calm and discipline, closing the door on Belgium’s limited response.
Tactical takeaways
Spain’s 68% possession and 598 completed passes suffocated Belgium for long stretches, but the scoreboard stayed level for much of the match because La Roja created relatively few high-quality chances.
Rodri’s midfield stewardship allowed Spain to control tempo; Fabian Ruiz provided the attacking fluidity De la Fuente wanted.
The match highlighted two persistent themes: Spain’s capacity to dominate without over-committing forward, and the value of game-changing substitutes—Merino again delivering in the final minutes.
Belgium offered little in transition and were forced into physicality to disrupt Spain, committing 18 fouls. Structurally, the Red Devils struggled to cope with Spain’s width and midfield rotation, leaving them vulnerable on set pieces and late-break situations.
Winners
Mikel Merino — The archetypal clutch sub. Two minutes after coming on he converted a loose ball to win the game, reinforcing his reputation for decisive late contributions.
Fabián Ruiz — Rewarded a surprise start with a composed finish and steady link play alongside Rodri, proving he can balance creativity with control in big games.
Rodri — The metronome. Nearly 100 completed passes and constant recovery work allowed Spain to dictate the match’s rhythm.
Losers
Pau Cubarsí — Mixed defensive read on De Ketelaere’s equaliser; lacked the physical presence to challenge the striker and was exposed in aerial duels.
Mikel Oyarzabal — Quiet night for a player who’s been influential at times this tournament; limited involvement and almost no threat in the final third.
Notable player ratings (summary)
Unai Simón 6.5 — Vulnerable on the goal and saved only by a late intervention from Laporte.
Pedro Porro 7.6 — Attacking impetus and decent defensive work against Doku.
Rodri 7.8 — Control and consistency. Fabián Ruiz 7.6 — Goal plus intelligent midfield play.
Lamine Yamal 7.8 — Bright and lively, though end product was inconsistent.
Mikel Merino N/A (super sub) — Match-winner.
Key statistics that explain the result
Possession: Spain 68% — Belgium 32%
xG: Spain 2.08 — Belgium 0.37
Total shots: Spain 17 — Belgium 5
Shots on target: Spain 8 — Belgium 2
Passes completed: Spain 598 — Belgium (far fewer)
Big chances: Spain 2 — Belgium 1
What this win means and what comes next
Spain continue to validate their ball-dominant identity while reminding opponents they can still win tight games without high shot volumes—thanks to tactical discipline and timely substitutions. The defensive lapses that allowed De Ketelaere’s equaliser will worry La Roja before a semifinal against France; against Kylian Mbappé and a ferocious attacking unit, those vulnerabilities could be ruthlessly exploited.
For Belgium, the performance exposes a squad hampered by injuries and lacking the creative spark necessary to punish Spain on the counter. Their tournament ends with lessons on physicality and set-piece defense.
Spain now prepare for a heavyweight semifinal against France, where control in midfield and sharper attacking finishing will be decisive.
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If Spain can convert possession into clearer high-quality chances and shore up aerial defending, they will be genuine contenders to reach the final.
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