LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – European champions Spain have earned a narrow 2-1 victory over the Red Devils of Belgium in the quarter final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to set up a blockbuster semifinal clash against World Cup favorites France.
Spain scored the opening goal with a rebound at the half hour mark after putting pressure on their opponent.
Pedro Porro drilled a low cross to Dani Olmo who fired a shot at the Belgium goal.
Red Devils shot stopper Thibaut Courtois parried Olmo’s effort straight at an unmarked Fabian Ruiz who wasted no time to smash the rebound home.
Spain had a chance to extend the lead, but Lamine Yamal saw his effort saved by Courtois
With four minutes left before additional time, Belgium got back on level terms.
Timothy Castagne saw his initial cross blocked by the Spanish backline, but Belgium quickly shuffled the ball back to him.
The right back drifted deeper into La Roja’s left flank before sending in another cross that Charles De Ketelaere nodded past Unai Simon.
The Atalanta forward’s 41st minute strike was the first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament.
His goal also meant that only France have scored more than the Red Devils in the 2026 World Cup.
The first half ended 1-1 with both sides vying for superiority.
In the 70th minute an injured Courtois was subbed off for Senne Lammens.
Both sides kept pushing for the winner, however it was Spain who eventually got the breakthrough.
Two minutes before the end of regulation time Pau Cubarsi effort from range was parried by Lammens.
The keeper was slow to react as substitute Merino ran onto the ball and blasted the rebound into the goal.
Merino previously came off the bench to score the winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
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Spain who have conceded the least goal in the tournament will now take on free scoring France in the semi-finals.
