Spain beats Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals as Merino strikes late again and Yamal named MVP despite 21 lost balls

Merino strikes again as Spain advances

Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals, a match that followed the same script as the round of 16 win against Portugal. Mikel Merino, who entered in the 85th minute, scored the decisive goal at the 87th, capitalising on a rebound after a shot from Pau Cubarsí was not cleared by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The goal sent Spain into the semifinals for the first time in 16 years.

Fabian Ruiz had put Spain ahead early, and Charles De Ketelaere equalised before halftime with the first goal conceded by Unai Simón in 650 minutes at the tournament. The victory sets up a semifinal against France on 14 July in Dallas.

Yamal named MVP despite 21 lost balls

Lamine Yamal was named man of the match by Sofascore with a 7.5 rating, even though his statistical line drew scrutiny. The 19-year-old registered no goals or assists, completed only 5 of 9 dribbles, and lost possession 21 times. However, his defensive work against Belgium's left side (Jérémy Doku and Maxim De Cuyper) and involvement in the buildup to Ruiz's goal impressed the rating provider.

Just yesterday I was in the physio and he called me with my mother's phone and told me he was going to stick out his tongue tomorrow. So when I saw him on the screen, it made me laugh.

After the final whistle, Yamal's younger brother Keyne celebrated in the stands by sticking out his tongue, a pre-arranged gesture that made Lamine burst into laughter. The moment went viral, mirroring a similar celebration after the Austria match.

Unai Simón's record ends and debate opens

Unai Simón's streak of clean sheets ended at 650 minutes when De Ketelaere headed in a Timothy Castagne cross in the 41st minute. The goalkeeper looked nervous throughout the match, nearly getting caught out of position on a couple of occasions. With David Raya and Joan García having had stronger club seasons, part of the fanbase is calling for a change ahead of the semifinal against a French attack that has scored 16 goals.

Pedri is a collective lie we live in Spain.... Luckily a man named Luis de la Fuente did not get carried away by the whirlwind and sat him because he had been the worst outfield player of the Spanish national team. I think it is a great decision that explains he is here to win the championship and not be tied to any narrative.

De la Fuente's tactical clarity

Coach Luis de la Fuente dropped Pedri from the starting lineup and started Fabian Ruiz, who responded with the opening goal. The decision was praised by Spanish journalist Iñaki Angulo, who argued it showed the coach's determination to win rather than follow sentiment. Spain has yet to trail in the tournament, has avoided extra time and penalties, and has conceded only one goal in six matches.

International reaction and the road ahead

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni watched the match and described Spain as "a formidable team." The New York Times called the upcoming Spain-France clash a "premature final," noting that Spain might be the only side capable of neutralising France's attack by controlling possession. The Guardian's Sid Lowe, reacting to Merino's second late goal of the knockout rounds, wrote: "What kind of sorcery is this?" L'Équipe acknowledged Spain as the just winner but suggested this version looks less formidable than in 2024.

The other semifinal will be determined by the Norway-England (11 July) and Argentina-Switzerland (12 July) quarterfinals, with the second semi set for 15 July. The final is on 18 July in New York.