Merino’s Midas Touch sends Spain into semis
Inglewood, July 11: Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium and send La Roja into the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where they will face tournament favourites France.
Just four days after his stoppage-time strike against Portugal in the Round of 16, Merino delivered another decisive contribution. Introduced in the 86th minute, the Arsenal midfielder needed just two touches to make the difference, pouncing on a rebound after Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort in the 88th minute.
“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again,” Merino said with a smile. “If you’re ready and you try, I guess it can happen for you.”Merino has now scored twice in his maiden World Cup, with both goals proving crucial in Spain’s knockout journey.
Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who reacted quickest to convert a rebound. Belgium, however, ended Spain’s remarkable defensive run when Charles De Ketelaere headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross in the 41st minute, handing goalkeeper Unai Simon his first concession of the tournament after a World Cup-record 650 minutes without allowing a goal.
The match appeared destined for extra time until Merino’s late intervention kept Spain’s title hopes alive.
“Honestly, it’s crazy to be able to help the team once again,” Merino said. “I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming.”Spain coach Luis De La Fuente hailed the team’s resilience ahead of a blockbuster semifinal against France, with both sides arriving unbeaten at the tournament.
“It will be a clash of giants,” De La Fuente said. “They are a great football nation, but I trust our team. We are capable of winning.”
The semifinal, scheduled for Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, has been one of the most anticipated fixtures since the World Cup draw was made.Belgium suffered a major setback midway through the second half when experienced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after making four saves. The Real Madrid star broke down in tears as he left the pitch, with Manchester United keeper Senne Lammens replacing him for his World Cup debut.Lammens performed confidently until the costly error that allowed Merino to score the winner.Belgium coach Rudi Garcia refused to fault his players despite the heartbreaking exit.“We were on equal footing with Spain and have nothing to feel bad about,” Garcia said. “Against a team of this calibre, you also need luck on your side.”Belgium pushed desperately for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Aymeric Laporte produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve Spain’s lead.The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 since March 2023 and sends the 2010 champions into their first World Cup semifinal since lifting the trophy in South Africa.
Belgium, meanwhile, saw its 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions come to an end after a spirited performance that ultimately fell just short. (AP)
