Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound, propelling Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday and into the semifinals.

Merino's dramatic late goal marks his second consecutive match-winner for Spain, following his decisive strike in the round of 16 against Portugal. This victory sends La Roja to the semifinals for the first time since their World Cup win in 2010. Spain will next face tournament favorite France in the semifinals, scheduled for Tuesday in the Dallas area.

Spain coach Luis De La Fuente described the upcoming match as a "clash of giants." Merino, who came on as a substitute in the 86th minute, scored with his second touch, capitalizing on a rebound from backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens after a long shot by Pau Cubarsí.

The implications of this win are significant for Spain, extending their unbeaten streak to 37 matches since March 2023, while ending Belgium's run of 18 consecutive unbeaten games. The semifinal clash against France is highly anticipated, setting up a marquee matchup between two of the tournament's top teams.

Belgium's goalkeeper situation was disrupted in the 71st minute when Thibaut Courtois, who had made four saves, left the match with an apparent thigh injury. Courtois, a veteran with more World Cup appearances than all but Germany's Manuel Neuer, departed in tears after receiving treatment. Lammens, a Manchester United keeper, stepped in but was unable to prevent Merino's decisive goal. Belgium pressed for an equalizer late in the game, with Romelu Lukaku leading the charge, but Aymeric Laporte made a crucial defensive play in injury time.

Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz, who converted a rebound after a save by Courtois on Dani Olmo's shot. Ruiz's goal was his first of the tournament and came in his first start since Spain's opening match, replacing Pedri in a tactical decision by coach De La Fuente.

Belgium equalized in the 41st minute with a goal from Charles De Ketelaere, marking the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire World Cup tournament. Spain had maintained a clean sheet through their first five matches, with goalkeeper Unai Simón being tested only minimally until this quarterfinal encounter.

Merino expressed his satisfaction with his impactful substitute appearances, stating that readiness and effort can lead to such moments. The win sets the stage for a highly anticipated semifinal against a strong French side, with both teams vying for a spot in the World Cup final.