Mikel Merino once again proved to be Spain's super-sub, scoring a dramatic 88th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final. The goal came after Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury, replaced by Senne Lammens, who spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Merino to pounce on the rebound.
Merino's Hat-Trick of Late Goals
Merino's late heroics have become a recurring theme. He scored a 119th-minute winner against Germany in Euro 2024 and a 91st-minute goal against Portugal in the World Cup round of 16. This time, he entered the match in the 85th minute and needed less than two minutes to make an impact. "As he wasn't there for the quarter-finals, I had to do it in the semi-final too so he could experience it as well," Merino said, referring to his two-month-old son Marco, who was in attendance.
First Half Dominance and Belgium's Equalizer
Spain dominated the first half, taking the lead in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz. Lamine Yamal set up Pedro Porro, whose cross found Dani Olmo, and after Courtois saved Olmo's shot, Ruiz scored from the rebound. However, Belgium equalized in the 40th minute when Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne, following a swift move involving Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Second Half Drama and Courtois Injury
Spain continued to press in the second half, with Courtois making several saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. But the turning point came when Courtois went off in tears with a thigh injury. De Bruyne also had to be substituted later. Belgium held on until Merino's intervention, with the goal coming at 87:27, just one minute and 56 seconds after he came on.
Impact and Next Steps
The win sends Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the Argentina vs Netherlands quarter-final. For Belgium, the loss is a bitter blow, with Courtois's injury a major concern. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Merino, saying, "He's an incredible player who always seems to find the right moment to make a difference."
