Stingy Spain takes scoreless streak into semifinals vs. Belgium

CALIFORNIA: Mikel Merino is relishing Spain’s opportunity to advance to the semifinals of the ‌World Cup, although first up is a quarterfinal matchup against Belgium in Inglewood, California, on Friday.
Merino played a major role as Spain stayed alive with his stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday. And yet the clutch goal is but one reason the midfielder is appreciative of the moment at hand.
Merino nearly missed his World Cup opportunity after a stress fracture and subsequent surgery in late January put his roster spot in doubt.

Despite the Arsenal midfielder playing fewer than 30 minutes in the months leading into the World Cup, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente had no doubt about Merino’s status.
“I have a great affection for all the players, but with Mikel Merino there’s something special because we’ve known each other for a long time,” ‌de la Fuente said. “If ‌necessary, I’d go to pick him up at his house.

He’s ‌world- class.”
The ⁠unwavering confidence shown ⁠by de la Fuente was rewarded when Merino came off the bench and stepped up during a crucial moment in the 85th minute to score the winner.
“Life has its ups and downs, good times and bad,” Merino said. “When they told me about the injury, I thought I wouldn’t be at the World Cup and here we are.

... The fact of being here a few months ago was unthinkable.”
His late heroics give a chance for Spain’s impenetrable defense to be tested against Belgium, who toyed ⁠with the United States in a 4-1 win on Monday at Seattle ‌as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has ‌not conceded a goal in five matches, while extending his scoreless streak to 609 minutes.