Spain booked a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final decided by a late goal.
Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, who scored Spain’s first conceded goal of the tournament.
With the match appearing destined for extra time, substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí.
The victory sends Spain into a highly anticipated semi-final against France, who secured their place in the last four with a 2-0 win over Morocco.
Merino, who also scored the decisive goal in Spain’s previous knockout match, said the team is looking forward to facing France and remains confident of reaching the World Cup final.
Belgium goalkeeper Lammens, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois during the match, endured a difficult finish after his late error proved costly, despite an otherwise spirited performance from the Belgian side.
