By AP News
Spain has booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium during Friday’s quarter-final clash at SoFi Stadium.
Spain took control early in the contest and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz fired home after reacting quickest to a rebound, giving La Roja a deserved lead.
Belgium, however, responded before halftime as Charles De Ketelaere headed in an equaliser from a well-worked move orchestrated by Kevin De Bruyne.
The second half was fiercely contested, with Spain dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities.
Belgium’s resistance was dealt a major blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a thigh injury, leaving backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens to take over.
Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 88th minute when substitute Mikel Merino capitalised on a rebound to score the decisive goal, sending the Spanish supporters into celebration and sealing a 2-1 victory.
It was Merino’s second consecutive match-winning goal after also scoring against Portugal in the Round of 16.
Belgium pushed forward in the closing stages, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain’s defence held firm to preserve the lead and secure a place in the last four.
The victory sends Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face France in a highly anticipated showdown as they continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title.
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