**Spain are through to the World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, sealed by substitute Mikel Merino’s 88th-minute winner to set up an all-European showdown with France.**
**Luis de la Fuente**‘s side made the brighter start and were rewarded when **Fabián Ruiz** broke the deadlock to give La Roja the lead they deserved.
**Belgium**, already without injured captain **Youri Tielemans** – who pulled up during the warm-up – hit back before half-time through **Charles De Ketelaere**, and the two sides went in level at the break after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
> [Jeremy Doku reaches agreement with Manchester City over new long-term contract](https://cityxtra.co.uk/48511/jeremy-doku-reaches-agreement-with-manchester-city-over-new-long-term-contract/)
The second half was tighter, with Spain dominating possession and generating the better chances but **Thibaut Courtois** – until an injury forced him off – produced several sharp saves to keep Belgium alive.
**Lamine Yamal** and **Mikel Oyarzabal** both went close but the reigning European champions couldn’t find the decisive moment until Merino arrived off the bench.
The **Arsenal** star, who has now made a habit of match-winning cameos at this tournament, pounced on a rebound after replacement keeper **Senne Lammens** spilled a **Pau Cubarsí** effort at close range – punishing the one moment of frailty Belgium could ill afford.
**Spain**‘s statistical dominance throughout, producing more than twice Belgium’s expected goals across the 90 minutes, told the story of a game they controlled without ever quite putting to bed.
For Belgium’s golden generation, it is the end of the road. For Spain, a second world title is now within striking distance.
Minutes Played – 90
Assists – 0
Expected Assists (xA) – 0.09
Key Passes – 1
Crosses (Accurate) – 2 (1)
Accurate Passes – 15/19 (79%)
Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate) – 12/15 (80%)
Passes in Own Half (Accurate) – 3/4 (75%)
Long balls (Accurate) – 1/1 (100%)
Touches – 47
Unsuccessful Touches – 4
Dribbles (Successful) – 10 (5)
Was Fouled – 5
Possession Lost – 15
Total Carrying Distance – 270m
Carries – 22
Progressive Carries – 5
Total Progression – 198.1m
Progressive Carrying Distance – 107.5m
Longest Progressive Carry – 25.9m
Defensive Contributions – 3
Tackles (Won) – 1 (1)
Interceptions – 2
Clearances – 0
Blocked shots – 0
Recoveries – 5
Ground Duels (Won) – 22 (11)
Fouls – 3
Dribbled Past – 3
**Data taken from Sofascore.**