Mikel Merino's Late Goal Sends Spain to World Cup Semis

Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals, securing a 2-1 victory against Belgium. The match saw Spain take the lead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz bundled home a rebound from a Dani Olmo shot.

Belgium equalized shortly before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, who nodded in a cross from Timothy Castagne. In the second half, Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was replaced by Senn Lemmen due to injury.

Merino's decisive goal came two minutes before the end of regular time, slotting the ball into the net after a spilled 25-yard shot. This marked Merino's second goal in World Cup matches, following his previous match-winning performance against Portugal in the Round of 16.

Spain's victory extended their unbeaten run to 36 matches in regular time, just one short of Italy's record of 37. Spain's coach, Lui de la Fuente, will lead the team against France in the semi-finals on July 14 at Dalla Stadium.