Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday to book their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, where they will face fellow European heavyweights France.
The European champions left it late to seal the win at the SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Merino emerging as the hero after converting a rebound from Pau Cubarsi’s effort in the 88th minute.
Merino’s decisive strike ended a fiercely contested encounter and ensured Spain advanced to the last four of the tournament.
The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final against France, with the two European powerhouses scheduled to meet on Tuesday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for a place in the World Cup final.
