Spain set up World Cup semi-final with France after late win against Belgium

INGLEWOOD: Mikel Merino came off the bench again to save Spain, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 88th minute to defeat Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal on Friday (Jul 10).

A spot in the Jul 19 final will be at stake when Spain plays France on Tuesday. The French are seeking a third straight trip to the final, having won in 2018 before losing on penalties to Argentina four years ago.

Merino, who was on the field less than six minutes before scoring the winner in second-half stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday, entered in the 86th minute and smashed in a rebound after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a soft shot by Pau Cubarsi.

Lammens replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois (four saves) in the 71st minute.

In the second minute of second-half stoppage time, Spain defender Aymeric Laporte bailed out goalkeeper Unai Simon with a clearance in front of the goal.

Spain had not conceded a goal in the tournament through five matches but found themselves tied 1-1 at the half.

Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute with a rebound off a shot by Dani Olmo, but a header by Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st was the equaliser.

Spain almost opened the scoring in the 21st, but a strike by star Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, was wide of the left post and the lead came soon after.

A cross by Pedro Porro from the left flank was well struck by Olmo at the centre of the box, forcing a right-handed save by Courtois.

Ruiz, who got the start over Barcelona's Pedri in the midfield, was in perfect position for the putback.

La Roja allowed Belgium back into the match with uncharacteristic poor clearing, and Timothy Castagne sent a service in from the right to De Ketelaere, who got inside positioning on Pau