"Two Minutes Merino" – Press Celebrates the Super-Sub

Spain is back in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since their 2010 triumph. They defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals (>>> to the match report).

In the international media, match-winner Mikel Merino and Belgium's substitute goalkeeper and unfortunate figure Senne Lammens are primarily in the spotlight.

Spain

"Marca": "Courtois' injury proving key to Spain's triumph at the 2026 World Cup. Spain seizes the opportunity for a clash against France, an encounter already being dubbed the final. The Spanish national team manages to advance to the semi-finals, continuing to emulate the path of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

"AS": "Two minutes of Merino proved invaluable. A hard-fought victory for La Roja, who are now among the four best teams in the World Cup and will play against France for a place in the final."

"Mundo Deportivo": "Spain is once again lucky that Saint Merino appears to take them to the semi-finals."

"El Pais": "Merino's latest dance carries Spain into the semi-finals against France after the victory against Belgium."

Belgium

"De Standaard": "The Red Devils are eliminated in the World Cup quarter-finals after a 1-2 defeat to Spain that was not illogical, yet certainly avoidable. Spain's winning goal came after an error by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had just replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois."

France

"L'Equipe": "La Roja awaits Les Bleus. Thibaut Courtois' injury-related absence proved fatal for the Belgians, who, after a strong performance, were let down by an error from their second goalkeeper."

"Le Parisien": "It is Spain that awaits Les Bleus in the semi-final. The dominant La Roja had to wait until the 88th minute, an error by Senne Lammens making the difference."

"Le Figaro": "Spain defeats Belgium in the last minute and will face Les Bleus in the semi-finals on July 14. After the Spanish defense had lost its clean sheet, it found it harder to fend off Belgian counter-attacks after the break."

USA

"New York Times": "Spain capitalizes on an error to knock Belgium out of the tournament, setting up a blockbuster clash against France."

England

"The Telegraph": "Lammens' error seals Belgium's elimination, while Merino fires Spain into the World Cup semi-finals."

"The Guardian": "Once again it was Mikel Merino's great moment, and an entire country celebrated with him at the corner flag. The man who, two years ago, as a substitute, scored the late, late goals that took Spain to the European Championship semi-finals, and four days ago to the World Cup quarter-finals, has simply done it again."

Italy

"Gazzetta dello Sport": "Courtois gets injured, his replacement comes on and causes a disaster: Merino sends Spain to the semi-finals, Belgium is eliminated."

Germany

"Bild": "All of Spain celebrates Germany's tormentor! Merino is the man for late goals: In 2024, he headed Spain through in the European Championship quarter-finals against Germany in the 119th minute. Just on Monday, his goal in the first minute of added time secured a 1-0 victory in the round of 16 against Portugal."