Merino again! Spain defeats Belgium and reaches World Cup semi-finals

European champions Spain are the second team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

The "Furia Roja" defeated Belgium 2-1 in a very tight match. The decision came very late, and just like against Portugal, Mikel Merino was the decisive player.

Spain had their first chance in the 10th minute. After a free-kick, Fabian received the ball in the penalty area, he laid it off to Rodri, but the Spain captain's shot was just blocked.

Fabian pounces

Shortly before the water break, Lamine Yamal had the best opportunity so far, but the 18-year-old shot just wide of Thibaut Courtois' goal.

In the 30th minute, Yamal played a strong pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who laid it off to Dani Olmo. The Spanish number ten shot from inside the box, but the shot was just blocked. However, the ball bounced right to Fabian's feet, who slotted it in to give Spain the lead.

Equalizer out of nowhere

The goal gave Spain momentum, but Yamal narrowly failed twice, and then Belgium scored with their very first attack.

A cross from the right found Charles De Ketelaere, who won the aerial duel against Pau Cubarsi and netted the surprising equalizer (41st minute).

At the start of the second half, the picture remained the same. Spain dominated the game and repeatedly launched attacks, especially through Lamine Yamal, but these were not incisive enough.

Super-sub Merino strikes again

In the middle of the second half, things turned sour for Belgium. Courtois, Belgium's record World Cup player, had to be substituted due to injury. Senne Lammens came on to replace him in goal.

With everything pointing towards extra time, Cubarsi took a shot from distance. Although the shot went straight at Lammens, he could only parry it forward. The recently substituted Mikel Merino rushed in and slotted home for 2-1.

In the battle for a place in the final, Spain will face France on Tuesday (9:00 PM in the live ticker>>>).