Merino Sends Spain Into World Cup Semi-Finals With 88th-Minute Winner as Courtois Exits Injured
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 10
Merino Sends Spain Into World Cup Semi-Finals With 88th-Minute Winner as Courtois Exits Injured
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 10
Summary
Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute, scoring less than two minutes after coming on to give Spain a 2-1 win over Belgium and set up a semi-final against France.
Fabian Ruiz had put Spain ahead on 30 minutes after Courtois saved Dani Olmo’s shot, but Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level for the first goal Spain had conceded at this World Cup.
Thibaut Courtois then went off with a thigh injury after repeated saves had kept Belgium alive, and substitute Senne Lammers spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot for Merino to convert the loose ball.
Luis de la Fuente’s changes proved decisive again, with Ruiz starting in place of Pedri and Merino delivering another late knockout goal after doing the same in Spain’s previous two tournament rounds.