Late Merino Strike Decides Quarter-Final
Jeremy Doku's World Cup is over. Spain knocked Belgium out with an 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino, securing a 2-1 victory in Los Angeles and a semi-final date with France.
Spain started brightly and deservedly took the lead through Fabián Ruiz. Belgium, without injured captain Youri Tielemans who pulled up during the warm-up, levelled before half-time through Charles De Ketelaere. The two sides went in level after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The second half was tighter. Spain dominated possession and created the better chances, but Thibaut Courtois kept them at bay with several sharp saves until an injury forced him off.
Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal both went close, but the decisive moment arrived when Merino came off the bench. The Arsenal man, who has made a habit of match-winning cameos at this tournament, pounced on a rebound after replacement keeper Senne Lammens spilled a Pau Cubarsí effort at close range.
Spain's statistical dominance told the story. They produced more than twice Belgium's expected goals across the 90 minutes, controlling a game they never quite put to bed.
For Belgium's golden generation, it's the end of the road. For Spain, a second world title is within touching distance.