Spain edge Belgium as Mikel Merino strikes late to set up France semi-final | OneFootball

Spain battled past Belgium to reach the World Cup semi-finals, sealed by a late winner with extra time looming. France await next.

El Periódico Mediterráneo notes a rugged, high-tension quarter-final. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring, De Ketelaere equalised, and Merino beat Lammens, who replaced the injured Courtois.

Unai Simón saw his clean-sheet streak snapped by a rare first-half chance and wobbled late with two near-costly gifts. He still marshalled a jittery back line.

Pedro Porro combined with Lamine Yamal for the 1-0 move, his cut-back leading to Ruiz’s finish, though Doku troubled him. Marc Cucurella could not stop De Bruyne’s cross for 1-1 but improved. Laporte dominated aerially and made a key stoppage-time block.

Pau Cubarsí was beaten by De Ketelaere’s header for the leveller and was booked for handball. He recovered, and his shot began the winning move.

Rodri was closely shadowed yet remained Spain’s reference point in midfield. Ruiz, preferred to Pedri in the double pivot, scored his first World Cup goal.

Lamine Yamal tormented defenders and produced chances, if sometimes attempting the improbable. Dani Olmo read the spaces, his shot forcing the save that led to 1-0, before going off on 86. Álex Baena threatened with runs, then was replaced.

Oyarzabal worked selflessly without supply before making way, while Ferran Torres added depth with direct runs. Nico Williams returned from a muscle injury and flashed his pace. Pedri steadied Spain late on, while Merino’s sense of timing stood out.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo