Spain reach World Cup semi-finals as Merino downs Belgium

Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory against Belgium, sending Spain into the World Cup semi-finals. The Arsenal midfielder repeated his stoppage-time heroics from the last-16 win over Portugal to secure the result. Spain will now face France for a place in the final.

The victory puts Spain in the last four for only the second time in their history. The previous occasion was 2010, when the national side went on to lift the trophy. Reaching this stage again confirms the European champions as a serious force in the global tournament.

Merino's impact is remarkable given his recent injury struggles. In January, he suffered an unusual stress fracture in his foot that specialists had rarely encountered, leaving his World Cup participation in severe doubt. He only returned to action for Arsenal a month before the tournament began.

"The fact of being here a few months ago was unthinkable," Merino said. "Now I am, as I said before, at the highest point, enjoying one of the happiest moments of my career." Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his contribution, stating the 30-year-old "could have played in whatever team and done great."

Traditionally a midfielder, Merino has been deployed as a striker by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. De la Fuente noted his versatility, saying Merino "can be the best striker and the best midfielder because of his understanding of the game." Former England striker Wayne Rooney added that he "arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games."

While Merino has delivered, teenager Lamine Yamal is still searching for his best form at this World Cup. The Barcelona forward has scored just one goal in six games, a stark contrast to his dominant performances during Euro 2024. At times, he has opted to shoot when a pass was the better option.

However, his broader contribution remains valuable to the team's structure. "Where he is effective is when he takes the ball, he attracts players towards him, and he creates space for his team-mates," Rooney said. Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta noted that Yamal is "very influential in Spain's game" despite the lack of goals or assists.

The semi-final against France presents a significant test on both ends of the pitch. Belgium's goal was the first Spain have conceded in the tournament, and a free-scoring France side led by Kylian Mbappe will offer a much sterner attacking threat. Azpilicueta pointed to Spain's ability to "control the game and recover the ball quite quickly" as a reason they will not collapse under pressure.