DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇭 Ghana /Sports

Spain's 35-match unbeaten run faces Belgium test in World Cup quarter-final

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Spain's 35-match unbeaten streak faces a significant test against Belgium in a World Cup quarter-final.
  • Belgium advanced after a 4-1 victory over the United States, aided by a controversial FIFA intervention regarding a player's ban.
  • Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, has been remodeled into a cohesive, deep squad, winning the Nations League and Euro 2024.

Spain's formidable 35-match unbeaten run will be put to the ultimate test today as they face Belgium in a World Cup quarter-final. This clash pits Spain's smooth, controlled style against a Belgian side buoyed by a resounding 4-1 win over the United States.

Spain face Belgium today in a World Cup quarter-final that pits one of the tournament's smoothest operators against a side emboldened by a thunderous 4-1 win over the United States that followed one of football's most bizarre political interventions.

— SourceIntroduction to the match preview.

Belgium's path to this stage was marked by unusual drama. U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension was controversially overturned after an appeal personally urged by President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Following this, Belgium delivered a dominant performance, securing their quarter-final berth.

Spain, since their 2022 World Cup exit, has undergone a transformation under coach Luis de la Fuente. The team now plays with the cohesion of a club side, demonstrating discipline, organization, and a strong defensive structure. Their recent successes include winning the Nations League in 2023, the European Championship in 2024, and reaching another Nations League final.

Spain are unbeaten in 35 matches, a run that has turned Luis de la Fuente's team from promising European champions into a team that exert confident control over their ⁠opponents.

— SourceDescribing Spain's current form and team identity.

A key strength for Spain is their collective depth, as evidenced by their 15 goals scored by 10 different players at Euro 2024. Even substitutes like Mikel Merino, who scored the winner against Portugal, and Ferran Torres, who provided the assist, highlight this advantage. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also contributes with moments of individual brilliance.

The result is a national side that often plays with the cohesion of a club team: disciplined, organised, balanced and difficult to break down.

— SourceDetailing Spain's tactical approach under De la Fuente.

Belgium, however, faces its own challenges, notably the absence of midfielder Amadou Onana due to injury. Despite this setback, Belgium has shown resilience. They must now find a way to disrupt Spain's control and exploit any vulnerabilities.

Spain's strength is not built around one obvious match-winner, but in collective depth.

— SourceHighlighting Spain's team depth as a key asset.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog