Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium in Los Angeles, dominating possession (68%) and outshooting their opponents while relying on a late Mikel Merino rebound goal after Thibaut Courtois was replaced. Lamine Yamal’s constant danger and Spain’s bench depth proved decisive as they now prepare to face France in the semis.
Spain 2–1 Belgium — Match recap and significance
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in a tense World Cup quarterfinal, turning sustained control into a late win. Spain held 68% possession and outshot Belgium 17–5, but the match stayed tight until an 88th-minute rebound from substitute Mikel Merino sealed progression.
Charles De Ketelaere had levelled for Belgium in the first half, while Lamine Yamal repeatedly troubled the visitors.
Key moments
Early pressure and the first chance
Rodri forced an early blocked attempt around the 10th minute, setting the tone for Spain’s territorial dominance. Spain’s buildup play repeatedly found pockets of space, but clear-cut chances were limited early on.
Fabían Ruiz and De Ketelaere trade blows
Fabían Ruiz cleaned up after a sustained spell to give Spain the lead, but Belgium struck back through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed in from a Timothy Castagne cross to level the game before halftime. The equaliser exposed moments when Spain’s control failed to translate into defensive compactness.
Lamine Yamal forcing saves
Lamine Yamal was Spain’s brightest spark throughout, testing Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois multiple times — including a disallowed strike early in the second half and further efforts in the 61st minute that forced top-class saves. Yamal’s verticality and directness consistently unsettled Belgium’s backline.
Late chaos and Merino’s finish
The decisive sequence came in the 88th minute. Pau Cubarsí’s shot was saved by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens but not held; Mikel Merino reacted quickest to convert the rebound and restore Spain’s lead. That late intervention underlined Spain’s bench impact and composure in a chaotic finish.
Goalkeeper subplot: Courtois replaced
Thibaut Courtois was substituted late in the match and appeared visibly emotional as he left the pitch; Senne Lammens came on and was central to the dramatic finale after failing to control Cubarsí’s shot. The switch added a dramatic edge to the match and arguably altered the closing minutes.
Tactical takeaways
Spain’s possession dominance masked periods of vulnerability on the break. Belgium remained a threat through quick counters and aerial outlets — De Ketelaere’s header typified that plan. Spain’s midfield control allowed them to dictate tempo, but their inability to convert sustained pressure into an early, comfortable lead prolonged the contest. The effective use of substitutes, particularly Merino, demonstrated managerial foresight and depth.
Player notes
Lamine Yamal: The tournament’s young star again showed why he’s indispensable — creativity, direct running and a relentless pursuit of goal. Mikel Merino: Came off the bench to provide a match-winner, reinforcing his reputation as a decisive super-sub. Charles De Ketelaere: Clinical on Belgium’s best moment; offered the most reliable aerial outlet. Thibaut Courtois / Senne Lammens: Courtois’ departure shifted momentum; Lammens’ involvement proved costly in the end.
What this means moving forward
Spain advances to face France in the semi-final on Tuesday, a high-stakes clash that will test whether Spain’s control can withstand France’s pace and firepower. For Belgium, the result highlights a need to translate counter opportunities into more consistent finishing against possession-heavy opponents.
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Spain’s ability to win tight knockout matches — driven by star youth and reliable depth — bodes well for their title ambitions, but defensive lapses under pressure remain a concern to address.
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