Merino Strikes Late: Spain Edge Past Belgium to Set Up France Semifinal Showdown

2026-07-12

Spain punched their ticket to a blockbuster semifinal against France after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal. The decisive moment came just two minutes from time, courtesy of an opportunistic finish from super-sub Mikel Merino.

The contest was a tactical chess match from the outset. Spain drew first blood in the 30th minute when a surprise starter, Fabián Ruiz, pounced on a rebound to break the deadlock. However, Belgium responded before the break; in the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere muscled his way past Pau Cubarsí to meet Timothy Castagne’s cross and level the score. As the match neared the end of regulation, Spain pushed for a winner. A long-range effort from Cubarsí proved too hot to handle for Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, spilling the ball into the path of Merino, who fired home the winner.

Spain’s Clinical Conundrum

While Spain’s results are undeniable, the lack of a traditional "number nine" remains a talking point. Spain has posted 11 goals from an expected goals (xG) value of 11.83, a stat that critics argue highlights a lack of elite finishing. Players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres—while technically gifted—are repurposed wingers rather than prolific center forwards.

Manager Luis de la Fuente remains unbothered by these criticisms. By design, he favors fluid movement over a static physical presence in the box. His strategy focuses on high-volume chance creation, trusting that his collective attack will eventually break down opponents—a gamble that has yielded consistent results so far.

Belgium’s Heartbreak

For Belgium, the exit was a case of "what might have been" against a backdrop of mounting injury crises. Already missing the influential Amadou Onana, the Red Devils suffered a pre-match blow when Youri Tielemans—the team’s hardest-working player in terms of distance covered—was ruled out with a groin injury. The heartbreak was compounded in the 71st minute when star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a muscle injury, leaving the squad visibly devastated.

De la Fuente’s Bold Gamble

Manager De la Fuente demonstrated his authority by benching superstar Pedri in favor of Fabián Ruiz, a move that raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off with Ruiz’s opening goal. This decision highlights the manager's commitment to a "team-first" philosophy over individual star power. In De la Fuente’s system, the collective is the definitive identity, and he clearly holds the full trust of his locker room.

Despite the exit, Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere solidified his reputation as a rising star. After a quiet season at the club level, the 25-year-old was a standout in this tournament, scoring three times and winning 71.4% of his aerial duels against Spain’s defense.