In a tense quarterfinal match on Friday, Spain snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring in the dying minutes to secure a semifinal berth against France.
The game, played in a packed stadium, saw Luis de la Fuente's side take the lead in the 30th minute. Fabián Ruiz slotted home a rebound after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had initially saved a shot from Dani Olmo. Spain continued to press, with young Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal causing problems down the right flank, cutting inside and firing just wide of the post.
Belgium responded before halftime, equalizing through a Charles De Ketelaere header in the 41st minute. That goal ended Spain's run of not conceding at the tournament, and the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Second-Half Adjustments and Late Drama
De la Fuente made changes early in the second half, bringing on Pedri and Ferran Torres to inject energy into the midfield and attack. However, Spain struggled to find a decisive breakthrough, with Belgium's defense holding firm.
The match took a turn in the 71st minute when Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, left the pitch with an apparent injury. He was replaced by Senne Lammens, the Manchester United shot-stopper. As the game seemed destined for extra time, a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí was spilled by Lammens, and Merino pounced to fire the loose ball into the net, making it 2-1 and sealing the victory.
Spain will now face Didier Deschamps' France in Dallas on Tuesday. France have been arguably the tournament's standout performer so far, and the match promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two European powerhouses.
The victory continues Spain's impressive run under De la Fuente, who has built a team blending experienced players like Ruiz with emerging talents such as Yamal and Cubarsí. For Belgium, the defeat marks another early exit from a major tournament, despite a strong performance from their defense and the unfortunate injury to Courtois.
This semifinal clash adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Spain and France, with both nations having won the World Cup in the past. The match in Dallas is expected to draw significant attention from European fans, many of whom have traveled to the United States for the tournament.
