Merino's Heroics Propel Spain Past Belgium to World Cup Semis as Coach Reflects on Underdog Battle

The highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final between European champions Spain and Belgium saw the latter embracing their role as underdogs, with coach Rudi Garcia and veteran striker Romelu Lukaku expressing strong confidence despite widespread predictions of their elimination. Spain, entering the match in Los Angeles as strong favorites and having not conceded a goal throughout the tournament, presented a formidable challenge. Belgium's journey to the quarter-finals had been more arduous, marked by narrow group stage victories, two draws, and a late comeback against Senegal, although they did thrash the United States 4-1 in the round of 16.

Coach Garcia, at a pre-match press conference, relished the underdog label. He stated, “Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it. We think we can pull it off, and we’re going to do everything we can to get to the semis.” Garcia highlighted Belgium's offensive prowess, noting they were among the tournament's top scorers with 13 goals and ranked second in shots, behind only France. Addressing concerns about a potentially hostile American crowd following their victory over the US, Garcia dismissed it, asserting that “It’s not the fans that score the goals. We’re going to focus on what we can do. We’ve got enough on our plate with the Spanish squad that is a wonderful footballing team.” Lukaku echoed his coach's sentiments, emphasizing that having reached this stage, they would not play merely “to go home,” and stressing the need for a “perfect game.”

However, despite Belgium's determination, it was European champions Spain who ultimately secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The match remained tense and evenly contested for much of the game. Spain initially took the lead in the 41st minute through Fabián Ruiz, whose composed finish concluded a period of Spanish dominance. Belgium, however, responded swiftly, with Charles De Ketelaere heading home Timothy Castagne’s cross just two minutes later, restoring parity before halftime.

The second half saw both sides creating opportunities, but the decisive touch eluded them until late in the game. Frustration mounted, evidenced by a yellow card for Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne. The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute by Mikel Merino, who emerged as the hero for Spain, capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty area to strike a late winner. Spain successfully managed the remaining minutes, despite late yellow cards for Aymeric Laporte, while Belgium’s Axel Witsel was also cautioned as their hopes of forcing extra time faded. The victory sends Luis de la Fuente’s side into a blockbuster semi-final clash against France, who had defeated Morocco 2-0. Belgium, after an impressive run to the quarter-finals, bowed out of the tournament, while Spain continued their quest for a second World Cup title, aiming to add it to their recent European Championship crown.