Mikel Merino scored again for Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals, helping his team defeat Belgium 2-1 on Friday. Four days after his injury-time goal against Portugal, Merino capitalized on a mistake by Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper in the 88th minute. The result sends Spain to a semifinal against France.
Merino, who plays for Arsenal, entered as a substitute and scored with his second touch. He described the moment as another coincidence and stressed the importance of staying prepared. Spain had taken the lead through Fabián Ruiz in the 30th minute, but Belgium equalized before halftime via Charles De Ketelaere.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left injured in the second half, forcing Senne Lammens into his first World Cup start. Spain coach Luis De La Fuente called the upcoming match against France a clash of giants. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament. Spain has not conceded in its first five matches, though that streak ended with Belgium’s goal. The teams will meet Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
