Spain edge Belgium as Rodri dictates and Thibaut Courtois injury proves costly | OneFootball

Spain beat Belgium to reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet France, after a late winner, with Rodri pulling the strings.

According to L'Équipe, Rodri controlled Spain's tempo and Thibaut Courtois' injury proved damaging, his replacement Lammens misjudging the shot that preceded the winner.

Spain led on 30 minutes when Pedro Porro's cross was met by Dani Olmo, and Courtois' save fell for Fabian Ruiz to finish.

Belgium levelled at 41, Timothy Castagne delivering for Charles De Ketelaere to head past Unai Simon, ending the keeper's 649-minute unbeaten run with the first shot he faced.

Courtois made sharp stops after the break before going off in tears on 71 for Manchester United's Lammens. At 88, Mikel Merino converted after Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort was spilled.

Fabian Ruiz was preferred to Pedri and scored before departing, with Merino later coming on to win it. Aymeric Laporte impressed, Porro handled Jérémy Doku, while Lamine Yamal was lively and Mikel Oyarzabal subdued.

Source: L'Équipe