Spain defeat Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semi-finals

Mikel Merino struck another dramatic late winner as Spain booked a World Cup semi-final showdown with France after edging past Belgium.

Mikel Merino scored another late winner as Spain edged Belgium 2-1 on to set up a World Cup semi-final against France.

The Arsenal midfielder, introduced in the 86th minute, pounced just two minutes later after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s low effort.

The result sets up a mouth-watering clash between European champions Spain and tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday.

For Belgium, however, it was a cruel ending to an eventful quarter-final at SoFi Stadium.

Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead on the half-hour mark, reacting quickest after Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Dani Olmo.

Belgium responded before the break through Charles De Ketelaere, who rose above Cubarsi to head Timothy Castagne’s cross beyond Unai Simon in the 41st minute.

It was the first goal Spain had conceded at this World Cup.

Belgium had already suffered a major setback before kick-off when captain Youri Tielemans sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Hans Vanaken.

With Amadou Onana also unavailable, the Red Devils were forced to operate with a reshuffled midfield against a Spain side determined to dominate possession.

Ruiz, brought into the starting XI in place of Pedri, settled quickly alongside Rodri, while Lamine Yamal curled an early effort narrowly wide.

Jeremy Doku remained Belgium’s main threat at the other end, cutting in from the left and linking well with De Ketelaere.

Spain’s opener came after Pedro Porro combined sharply with Yamal before cutting the ball back for Olmo. Courtois saved the initial strike, but Ruiz swept home the rebound.

Spain then took control, moving the ball confidently around the Belgian half, but Rudi Garcia’s side refused to panic.

Kevin De Bruyne released Castagne down the right, and his delivery was met by De Ketelaere, whose powerful header restored parity.

Belgium almost completed the turnaround before half-time when De Ketelaere sent Doku clear following a quick counter-attack, only for Olmo to make a vital interception.

The contest became increasingly open after the break.

Yamal almost picked out Mikel Oyarzabal with a dangerous cross, while Courtois was again called into action to deny the Spain forward from a tight angle.

Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku in search of another decisive contribution from the bench, but their plans were disrupted when an emotional Courtois was forced off through injury after 70 minutes.

Lammens, making his World Cup debut, came on in daunting circumstances.

His night ended in heartbreak.

Cubarsi’s low strike from distance should have been gathered, but Lammens spilled the ball into Merino’s path and the midfielder reacted instantly to fire Spain ahead.

It was Merino’s second successive late winner from the bench after his decisive stoppage-time goal against Portugal in the previous round.

Belgium still had one final opportunity when Alexis Saelemaekers rounded Simon, but he was unable to pick out Lukaku in front of goal.

At the final whistle, Courtois returned to console the distraught Lammens as Belgium’s players stood stunned.

Spain, meanwhile, celebrated another dramatic victory before turning their attention to a blockbuster semi-final against France.