Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10

Spain Face Belgium in World Cup Quarter-Final as 5 Clean Sheets Meet 4-1 U.S. Rout

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10

Spain Face Belgium in World Cup Quarter-Final as 5 Clean Sheets Meet 4-1 U.S. Rout

Q: Spain's defense hasn't conceded a single goal. Can Belgium's attack be the first to break the streak?

Yes — Belgium has the tools to score, but Spain still looks more likely to preserve its streak. Spain’s case is clear. Luis de la Fuente’s side has not conceded in five matches and has stretched its shutout run to 609 minutes. That record is built on more than goalkeeping: Unai Simón has been protected by Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí and a team structure that leads the tournament in forcing offsides and winning the ball high up the pitch. Spain has also allowed only 29 shots, far fewer than Belgium. Belgium, though, is the most dangerous attack Spain has faced so far. Rudi Garcia’s team has scored 13 goals, created volume, and showed its cutting edge in the 4-1 win over the United States. Leandro Trossard leads the tournament in chances created, and Belgium still has match-winners such as Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere and potentially Kevin De Bruyne if used. Their best route is likely through quick transitions, wide deliveries and runs behind Spain’s high line. The problem for Belgium is efficiency and balance. They have had 32 shots blocked, have looked uneven in front of goal at times, and are missing Amadou Onana, which weakens their midfield against Rodri and Pedri. That matters because Spain’s control of possession can starve opponents of the sustained pressure needed to break them down. So Belgium is capable of ending the clean-sheet run, but the evidence still points to Spain’s defense being more likely to hold firm than to crack.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 10

Friday’s quarter-final at SoFi Stadium pits No. 3 Spain against No. 8 Belgium, with the winner advancing to face France in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Spain arrive as the tournament’s only team yet to concede, carrying five clean sheets and a record 609-minute World Cup shutout streak despite an attack that has not fully clicked.
Belgium reached the last eight with a 4-1 win over the United States after a dramatic tactical shift under Rudi Garcia, who has recently benched Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to build a more cohesive side.
The matchup may turn on wide areas and defensive structure: Spain have allowed 29 shots all tournament, while Belgium have conceded 53 and made six errors leading to shots.
Spain are favored by The Athletic’s panel, largely because of their control and defensive solidity, though Belgium’s comeback wins and improved balance have made them a tougher opponent than their group stage suggested.