World Cup: Super-sub Merino strikes again as Spain edge Belgium to reach semis

Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals for the third time after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium. Substitute Mikel Merino once again proved to be the match-winner, scoring in the 88th minute. This marks the second consecutive game where Merino has netted the decisive goal as a substitute, a historic achievement in the tournament.

Merino's goal came after Belgium's backup goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, failed to control a shot from Pau Cubarsi. The ball bounced in front of Lammens, allowing Merino to capitalize and secure the win for Spain in front of a largely Spanish crowd at the Los Angeles Stadium.

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I did it again. This happened to me again, so it looks like coincidences do exist, as long as you are prepared and you fight for it, opportunities may come your way. I am really, really happy.

"There are no such things as coincidences," Merino said after the match. "If you go into a match well-prepared, things tend to happen again." The 30-year-old, who also plays for Arsenal, previously scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 win against Portugal in the round of 16.

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

Spain, the reigning European champions, will now face tournament favorites France in Dallas. "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 confidence, stating, "They’ll be just as worried as we are."

Earlier in the match, Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium just before halftime. Spain conceded their first goal of the tournament in this match. Belgium, hampered by injuries including the loss of captain Youri Tielemans before kickoff, could not find a second equalizer after Merino's late strike.

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