Mikel Merino's late strike sends Spain through as injury-hit Belgium crash out of World Cup

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Mikel Merino came off the bench late to score the winner for Spain in California -Credit:MB Media, Getty Images


At the worst possible moment, Belgium's fortune completely abandoned them as they endured a heartbreaking FIFA World Cup elimination courtesy of Spain.

Mikel Merino delivered the knockout blow in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens, a second-half replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to hold onto a long-range effort. However, considerable drama unfolded before the Arsenal midfielder's decisive finish, much of it going against Belgium.

Considered underdogs by many despite the European champions having yet to hit their stride at these World Cup finals, Belgium were dealt a blow before a ball had even been kicked when their captain, Youri Tielemans, was a late withdrawal from the starting lineup due to injury, via The Mirror.

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Although Belgium proved more attacking than many anticipated, Spain were firmly in control well before Fabián Ruiz was perfectly positioned to tap home from close range and break the deadlock in the 30th minute.

Dani Olmo connected with a low cross from Pedro Porro, only to be denied by Courtois. However, the veteran goalkeeper could only deflect the ball onto the foot of Ruiz, who made no mistake.

Ruiz's opener appeared set to push Spain into a higher gear, and the irrepressible Lamine Yamal came close to doubling their advantage, drilling into the side netting following some of his trademark dazzling footwork. Yet just as Spain seemed poised to tighten their grip on the contest, their defensive record at this World Cup was breached for the very first time.

It was Charles De Ketelaere who got across his marker to nod the ball beyond Unai Simón, ending the goalkeeper's remarkable 649-minute shutout streak spanning Spain's previous five matches, lifting Belgium's spirits.

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Level once more, Rudi Garcia's team maintained their offensive momentum as the second half kicked off. Growing in belief, Maxim De Cuyper dropped to his knees in the box, clutching his head in frustration after also firing wide into the side netting. For a fleeting instant, it appeared Simón's previously impenetrable goal had been pierced again as Spain's now vulnerable backline scrambled desperately.

Yamal hit back immediately, testing the resilient Courtois as both nations exchanged attacks in a thrilling second half.

However, Belgium were then dealt another cruel blow by fate. The unfortunate Courtois' game ended prematurely moments after sitting down for medical attention. He departed shortly after play resumed and appeared utterly heartbroken.

Lammens, who has been outstanding for Manchester United since joining last summer, entered as his replacement. Yet he couldn't hold onto the effort that allowed Merino, consistently lethal inside the penalty area, to capitalize.

It proved a harsh moment for a young goalkeeper who had conducted himself admirably in a high-pressure role within an intense atmosphere at one of the globe's most prestigious clubs. Merino showed him no sympathy.

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While there were seven added minutes within which Belgium attempted to find an equalizer, Garcia's deflated side simply weren't able to find a spark, as Spain booked their place in the semifinals.

Next up for Luis de la Fuente's men are arguably the tournament favorites, France, whom they'll face at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14 at 3pm ET.

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