IMG
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium, setting up a mouthwatering clash with France.
The Spaniards made a bright start and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz calmly found the back of the net to put his side in front. Belgium, however, refused to back down and responded just 11 minutes later as Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home the equaliser, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
With both sides creating chances after halftime, the match looked destined for extra time. But Spain found one final moment of inspiration in the closing minutes. Pau Cubarsí’s powerful effort slipped through the hands of substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois earlier in the match. Merino reacted quickest to the loose ball, tapping home in the 88th minute to spark jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and fans.
It was the second straight knockout match in which Merino emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero, having also scored the decisive goal as a substitute against Portugal in the Round of 16.
The victory keeps alive Spain’s dream of lifting the World Cup for the first time since their historic triumph in 2010. They will now face France in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the final at stake. The Kabul Times