Magic Merino strikes again as Spain down Belgium to reach World Cup semis

Super-sub Mikel Merino once again delivered a late winner for Spain, securing their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium. The decisive goal came in the 88th minute after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold onto a shot from Pau Cubarsi. The ball spilled in front of Lammens, allowing Merino to fire it into the net, sending the largely pro-Spain crowd at the Los Angeles Stadium into a frenzy.

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There are no such things as coincidences. If you go into a match well-prepared, things tend to happen again.

"There are no such things as coincidences," Merino stated after the match, reflecting on his repeated heroics. "If you go into a match well-prepared, things tend to happen again." This is the second consecutive game where Merino, who plays for Arsenal, has scored a late winner as a substitute, a historic first in World Cup history. He also scored the lone goal in Spain's 1-0 round-of-16 victory over Portugal.

Spain, the reigning European champions, will now face tournament favorites France in Dallas on Tuesday. "We are two matches away from winning the World Cup and that is what we are going after," Merino added. Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his team's determination, noting, "We’re going to work hard to try and beat France. They’ll be just as worried as we are."

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We are two matches away from winning the World Cup and that is what we are going after.

Fabian Ruiz had initially put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, pouncing on a rebound after a save by Courtois. However, Belgium responded 11 minutes later with a header from Charles De Ketelaere, marking the first goal Spain has conceded in the tournament. Belgium, already dealing with injuries including captain Youri Tielemans who was injured in warm-ups, struggled to find another equalizer after Merino's late strike, despite some promising chances.

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We’re going to work hard to try and beat France. They’ll be just as worried as we are.