Spain Edge Belgium 2-1 to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, as substitute Mikel Merino struck a late winner in a thrilling quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium.
The contest remained evenly balanced until the closing moments, but Merino's decisive goal broke Belgian hearts and sent La Roja into the last four for the first time since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2010.
Spain dominated possession and created the better chances from the outset. Their early pressure paid off when Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the first half. However, Belgium responded quickly through Charles De Ketelaere, who found the equaliser to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half was played at a high tempo, with both sides pushing relentlessly for a winner. Kevin De Bruyne and Maxim De Cuyper tested Spain's defence on several occasions but failed to convert their chances. At the other end, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal kept Belgium under constant pressure.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a series of outstanding saves before being forced off through injury. His replacement, Senne Lammens, also made several impressive stops to keep Belgium in the contest.
With extra time looming, Spain found the breakthrough. Just one minute and 57 seconds after coming on as a substitute, Mikel Merino became the match-winner. Pau Cubarsi's shot was parried by Lammens, but Merino reacted quickest to fire the rebound into the net and give Spain a 2-1 lead.
Belgium threw everything forward in the closing minutes in search of an equaliser, but Spain's resolute defence held firm. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players, while Belgium's World Cup campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals.
Spain will now face two-time consecutive World Cup finalists France in the semi-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash between two European heavyweights. La Roja continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title, 16 years after their historic triumph in South Africa.

MMR