A goal from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute qualifies Spain for the World Cup semifinals against France. De la Fuente's team avenged the defeat of Mexico 86.
The Spanish national football team achieved a historic ticket to the World Cup semifinals on Friday by defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling match held at the Dallas Stadium. A header from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute tipped the balance in a match that was heading for extra time and brought back bad memories of past penalty shootouts. Now, Luis de la Fuente's team will face France, the strong favourite, on Tuesday in search of a place in the final.
The success of Fabián and the final suffering
The match started with a clear tactical approach from both coaches. Luis de la Fuente surprised by opting for Fabián Ruiz in the starting eleven, while Rudi García benched Kevin De Bruyne, who ended up being key in the second half. The Spanish midfielder justified the trust by putting Spain ahead in the 30th minute, taking advantage of a rebound from Courtois after a shot from Dani Olmo. Fabián pushed the ball into the net to make it 1-0 and unleash joy in the stands.
Spain dominated possession and created chances, but failed to seal the deal. Lamine Yamal, very active in the first half, faded as the minutes went by. Belgium, on the other hand, grew after the break and found the equaliser in the 65th minute with a masterful play from De Bruyne, who assisted Romelu Lukaku to beat Unai Simón. The Belgian goal made the match uphill for the Spaniards, who saw the game slipping away from them.
Merino, the unexpected hero
When everything pointed to extra time and the dreaded spectre of penalties —Spain has fallen in shootouts in Mexico 86, Korea and Japan 2002, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022— Mikel Merino appeared. In the 88th minute, a cross from the right found the head of the Navarrese, who connected with an unstoppable shot that meant the definitive 2-1. The stadium erupted with joy and the Spanish national team sealed their place in the semifinals 16 years after the glory of South Africa 2010.
For the fans, the victory represents a renewed dose of hope. Spain has earned the right to dream against a France that arrives as the favourite, but has also shown cracks in the quarter-finals. De la Fuente's team, criticised after their debut against Cape Verde, has demonstrated character and the ability to endure. The encounter on Tuesday in Dallas will be an anticipated final: whoever wins will be one step away from global glory.
The coach, Luis de la Fuente, highlighted the mental strength of the group in a press conference.
“This team never gives up. We have suffered, but we have known how to compete until the end. Merino has been decisive, but the credit goes to everyone,” he stated.For his part, Mikel Merino, with the modesty of a hero, declared:
“It’s a dream. We knew we could make history and here we are. Now to prepare for the match against France.”
The clash against France shapes up as a battle of styles: Spain’s possession and collective work against the striking power and individuality of the French, led by Kylian Mbappé. On Tuesday, at 21:00 Spanish time, the football world will be watching Dallas. For the Spanish fan, it’s time to believe. And to suffer, as that too is part of history.
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