A goal from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute secured Spain's place in the World Cup semifinals. La Roja overcame Belgium (2-1) in Los Angeles and dreams of repeating the success of 2010.
The Navarre midfielder Mikel Merino once again played the role of unexpected hero. Just two minutes after coming on, in the 88th minute, he seized a loose ball in the area and beat Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The goal sparked madness on the Spanish bench and confirmed their passage to the World Cup semifinals.
The match, held in Los Angeles, was not a walk in the park for Luis de la Fuente's team. Spain dominated the first half with an imperial Rodri, but a lack of accuracy in the final third prevented their dominance from translating into goals. The scoring opened after the break when Fabián Ruiz capitalised on a rebound from Thibaut Courtois following a previous shot. The joy was short-lived: Belgium equalised with a header from Charles De Ketelaere, who won the aerial battle against Pau Cubarsí.
The final stretch was marked by Courtois' injury, who left the field in tears. With young Lammens in goal, Spain intensified their siege. The Belgian defence held firm, but Merino, newly introduced, appeared to seize a ball that the goalkeeper could not catch. The definitive 2-1 ignited euphoria.
A generation that breaks the round of 16 curse
This passage to the semifinals marks a milestone for a team that had not reached this stage since winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. In subsequent editions, Spain fell in the round of 16: in 2014, in the group stage; in 2018 and 2022, in penalty shootouts against Russia and Morocco, respectively. Those failures created a climate of pessimism that is now buried.
The current group has demonstrated a competitive maturity that sets it apart from its predecessors. The mix of experience in midfield—with Rodri, Fabián, and Merino—and the freshness of young wingers has restored hope to the fans. The victory in Los Angeles confirms that De la Fuente's project possesses the tactical variations and hunger for glory necessary to aim for the highest.
France, the next hurdle on the road to the final
The next opponent will be the powerful French team, the top favourites for the title. Historical precedents suggest a high-voltage clash where control of quick transitions and defensive rigor will define the finalist. Spain will have the opportunity to contest the final sixteen years after the feat in Johannesburg.
The dressing room approaches the coming days of recovery with spirits high. Only ninety minutes separate this renewed La Roja from a date with history. For fans, the semifinal match will take place next Tuesday at the same stadium in Los Angeles. The time is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be during prime time in Spain.
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