[World Cup Review] 'Merino's Golden Goal' Spain Defeats Belgium 2-1, Advances to World Cup Semifinals

*This content was translated by AI.

The "Invincible Fleet," Spain's national football team, defeated Belgium and advanced to the semifinals (quarterfinals) of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Spain, ranked second in the FIFA rankings and led by coach Luis de la Fuente, crushed ninth-ranked Belgium 2-1 in the Round of 16 match held at LA Stadium in Los Angeles on the 11th (Korean time).

With this victory, Spain reached the semifinals for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a span of 16 years. Spain was eliminated in the group stage during the 2014 Brazil tournament and in the Round of 16 during the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments.

In the semifinals, Spain will face France, another top contender for the title, in a battle to reach the final. France advanced to the semifinals by defeating Morocco in the Round of 16 match held the previous day.

Belgium, on the other hand, reached the Round of 16 for the first time since finishing third at the 2018 Russia tournament, eight years later, overcoming the pain of an early group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar tournament four years ago. However, they could not overcome Spain's wall and ended their World Cup journey.

Spain deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) leading the attack, supported by Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid), Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal (both Barcelona). Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain·PSG) and Rodri (Manchester City) anchored the midfield. The defensive line consisted of Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Émerson Royal (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), and Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur). Unai Simón (Athletic Club) was in goal.

Belgium started with Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) up front. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), and Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) formed the second line. Nicolas Raskin (Rangers) and Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) controlled the midfield. The defense was composed of Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Nathan Ngoumou (Lille), and Timothy Castagne (Fulham). Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) guarded the goal.

Spain dominated possession throughout the first half, controlling the match. Early in the game, Rodri and Baena took consecutive shots to exploit Belgium's gaps. In the 30th minute of the first half, they broke the 0-0 deadlock. Pedro Porro's low cross from the right flank was connected by Olmo with a non-stop shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. Fabián Ruiz finished the rebound that flowed toward the goal.

Even after taking the lead, Spain maintained control and sought additional goals. However, they missed opportunities, such as Lamine Yamal's free kick being saved by the goalkeeper in the 35th minute of the first half. Belgium, having survived the crisis, created their only significant chance of the first half to score. In the 41st minute, Castagne's cross from the right flank was headed in by De Ketelaere. While Spain dominated with 9 shots (3 on target) compared to Belgium's 2 shots (1 on target), the score remained tied at 1-1.

Spain dominated possession in the second half, reaching nearly 80%. However, Belgium's counterattacks were no less formidable. A fierce battle for control ensued. De Bruyne's turning shot went straight to the goalkeeper, and Spain also failed to convert chances as shots from Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal were repeatedly saved.

In the 26th minute of the second half, Belgium faced an injury scare. Goalkeeper Courtois, who had felt pain in his leg and sat down on his own, was eventually substituted. Courtois left the field in tears, replaced by Seny Dieng (Manchester United).

Then, in the 43rd minute of the second half, the balance between the two evenly matched teams was broken. Cubarsí's long-range shot from the edge of the box was parried by the goalkeeper, and Mikel Merino (Arsenal), who had just been substituted on, rushed in to finish. Merino scored what can only be described as a golden goal just two minutes after entering the match.

Desperate Belgium launched a late counterattack. However, Spain's concentration remained unshaken. There was no turnaround. Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 and successfully advanced to the semifinals.

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*This content was translated by AI.