Merino spins another winning yarn in Spain victory
Mikel Merino came off the bench again to save Spain, scoring the winner in the 88th minute to defeat Belgium 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Merino, who was on the field for less than six minutes before scoring the winner in second-half stoppage-time against Portugal in the Round of 16, entered in the 86th minute and smashed in a rebound after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsi.
Lammens had replaced an injured Thibaut Courtois in the 71st minute, but he could not prevent Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak coming to an end.
In the second minute of second-half stoppage-time, Spain defender Aymeric Laporte bailed out goalkeeper Unai Simon with a clearance in front of the goal.
Spain had not conceded a goal in the tournament through five matches but was level at 1-1 at the half-time break.
Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute with a rebound off a shot by Dani Olmo but a header by Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st was the equaliser.
Spain almost opened the scoring in the 21st minute but a strike by star Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, was wide of the left post and the lead came soon after.
A cross by Pedro Poro from the left flank was well struck by Olmo at the center of the box, forcing a right-handed save by Courtois.
Ruiz, who got the start over Barcelona's Pedri in the midfield, was in perfect position for the rebound.
La Roja allowed Belgium back into the match with uncharacteristic poor clearing and Timothy Castagne sent a service in from the right to De Ketelaere, who got the inside position on Cubarsi and powered the ball past Simon with his head.
The goal came a minute after Yamal again was just off target from distance, this time at the right post, ending Simon's FIFA World Cup record stretch without conceding a goal at 650 minutes dating back to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
It was wide open briefly at the hour mark when Spain's Yamal, who twice had barely missed scoring, had a shot from outside the box stopped by Courtois.
At the other end, Kevin De Bruyne's shot was saved before Spain responded and Courtois denied Mikel Oyarzabal at the right post.
Courtois was replaced by Lammens in the 71st minute after sustaining an apparent leg injury.
Belgium captain and midfielder Youri Tielemans sustained an undisclosed injury during warm-ups and was scratched from the starting line-up. Hans Vanaken replaced him.
A spot in the final will be at stake when Spain plays France next Wednesday (AEST) in a semi-final, with France seeking a third straight trip to the final having won in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina four years ago.
Spain claimed its only title in 2010, which was also the last time it reached the last four.
"We are two matches away from winning the [FIFA] World Cup and that is what we are going after," Merino said.
Merino also admitted he was struggling to process his latest match-winning contribution.
"I couldn't have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, achieving what's happening right now," he said. "I always believe I can do well whenever I step onto the pitch. I trust that my moment will come."
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Merino embodied the spirit of a side built on collective effort rather than individual stardom.
"Merino has many strengths; he could play for any national team or club, and for us he's the perfect fit for this team and this style of play," he said. "We know that whenever we need him, he's always there."
