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Spain beats Belgium 2-1 on Merino's late goal in World Cup quarterfinals
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Mikel Merino scored a late goal in the 88th minute to secure Spain's 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals, sending Spain to the semifinals against France.
- Merino, playing as a substitute, capitalized on a mistake by Belgium's backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced an injured Thibaut Courtois.
- Spain remains unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches and reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010.
- Belgium's 18-match unbeaten streak ended, and they struggled with injuries, including the loss of captain Youri Tielemans before the match.
- The upcoming semifinal between Spain and France is highly anticipated, with both teams undefeated in the tournament so far.
