On Friday Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in a late effort from substitute Mikel Merino for a spot in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will meet France.
Spain dominated the contest from the start, and kept attacking Belgium in order to win.
Their efforts were not in vain and were paid in the 30th minute when a shot from Dani Olmo was saved by goalkeeper Courtois of Belgium.
The loose ball went to Spanish player Fabian Ruiz, who was able to score calmly to give Spain a justifiable lead.
The Belgium football team had been hampered by injury both before and during the tournament but didn’t give up.
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Kevin De Bruyne passed the ball to Charles De Ketelaere just before the break which he headed into the goal to make it 1-1.
The first goal Spain received in this World Cup.
The second half was very close, neither side could get the breakthrough and both were able to find opportunities but not utilize them successfully.
Belgium went on to suffer another setback as Courtois had to be forcefully retire in the 70th minute and the substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens made his World Cup debut.
It was on the 88th minute, a moment that decided the game. Lammens was unable to properly save a long-range effort from Spain and the Spanish player Merino scored.
His second goal of the season after coming off the bench becoming his second match winning goal.
Belgium’s final chance came in stoppage time but they were unable to make it into an equaliser.
When the match came to an end, Spain celebrated with a well fought win, whilst Belgium’s players were woefully beaten.
The costly error didn’t dampen Lammens’ emotions as Courtois comforted the debutant. Spain moved on to a challenging semi-final with France’s star forward Kylian Mbappe.
FAQs
Q1: Who scored for Spain in the win over Belgium?
Fabian Ruiz scored Spain’s first goal, while substitute Mikel Merino netted the late winner.
Q2: Who will Spain face in the World Cup semi-finals?
Spain will take on France in the semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1.
Also read: Portugal knocked out of FIFA World Cup as Spain won 1-0
