Mikel Merino's late heroics send Spain into semi-finals after thrilling win over Belgium

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a gripping quarter-final, with substitute Mikel Merino once again emerging as the match-winner by striking a dramatic late goal.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against France and keeps Spain's dream of lifting a second World Cup title very much alive.

Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, moving the ball confidently through midfield while Belgium remained compact and looked to counter through the pace of Jérémy Doku and the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne.

After a series of early attacks, Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 30th minute. A powerful effort from Dani Olmo was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound, calmly slotting home to give La Roja a deserved lead.
Belgium, however, responded in impressive fashion.

Despite spending long periods without the ball, the Red Devils levelled the score in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head past Unai Simón, ending Spain's remarkable run without conceding a goal in the tournament and ensuring the teams went into half-time level.

The second half followed a familiar pattern.
Spain dominated possession and continued to create chances through Lamine Yamal, Olmo and Fabián Ruiz, but Courtois repeatedly frustrated the Spanish attack with a series of outstanding saves. Belgium's resistance suffered a major setback, however, when the experienced goalkeeper was forced off with a leg injury midway through the second half, handing an unexpected World Cup debut to substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
As extra time appeared increasingly likely, Spain found their hero once again.

Coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Mikel Merino in the closing minutes, and the midfielder made an immediate impact. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsí's low shot was spilled by Lammens, allowing the alert Merino to pounce on the rebound and fire Spain into a 2-1 lead. It was his second successive decisive knockout goal after also scoring the winner in the Round of 16.

Belgium threw numbers forward in desperate search of another equaliser, with Romelu Lukaku coming agonisingly close in stoppage time, but Spain defended resolutely to preserve their advantage and secure a deserved victory.

For Belgium, the defeat was particularly painful after battling back into the contest and then losing Courtois at a crucial stage. For Spain, it was another demonstration of patience, tactical maturity and remarkable squad depth.

With Merino delivering yet another decisive contribution from the bench and young stars continuing to shine alongside experienced campaigners, Spain now head into a blockbuster semi-final against France carrying confidence, momentum and growing belief that another World Cup triumph may be within reach.