Spain edges Belgium at the last minute due to substitute keeper's error

Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a late error by the Belgian goalkeeper. The win propels Spain into the semifinals for the second time in their World Cup history, where they will face France.

The match in Los Angeles was cautiously started by both teams, with Belgium losing captain Youri Tielemans to a groin problem during warm-ups. Spain took the lead after half an hour when Fabián Ruiz scored on the rebound after Thibaut Courtois initially saved Dani Olmo's shot. Belgium equalized in the 41st minute with a header from Charles De Ketelaere.

The game seemed headed for extra time until the 88th minute. Substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had come on for the injured Courtois, failed to properly handle a shot that appeared to be heading directly at him. Mikel Merino capitalized on the mistake, scoring from close range to give Spain the lead.

Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia lamented the decisive moment, stating, "Such matches are decided on details. You cannot make mistakes, cannot give gifts. Unfortunately, one of our younger players does that." This loss marks a likely end to the "golden generation" of Belgian football, with players like Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Axel Witsel probably having played their last World Cup. Witsel, 37, confirmed this was likely his final tournament.