Mikel Merino delivered a spectacular moment for Spain, celebrating with fans as they circled the corner flag. The player, who previously scored crucial late goals to propel Spain into a European Championship semi-final two years ago and a World Cup quarter-final just days prior, repeated his heroics. Introduced as a substitute in the 86th minute with the game still scoreless, Merino capitalized on a loose ball in the 88th minute, securing Spain’s place in the semi-finals against France next week.
As he commenced his familiar celebration honoring his father, Thibaut Courtois, who could have thwarted this outcome, watched helplessly from the bench. Senne Lammers, the substitute keeper, also could do little as he failed to hold onto Pau Cubarsi’s shot. Meanwhile, the Spanish team erupted in jubilation as they celebrated their hard-fought victory, marked by decisive tactical choices from their coach.
Luis de la Fuente’s decision to substitute Pedri for Fabian Ruiz was a pivotal move. The PSG midfielder created Spain’s first significant opportunity, assisting Rodri just ten minutes into the match and scoring the opening goal at the half-hour mark. The play began deep in Spain’s half, with Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal working together to break through Belgium’s defense. A perfectly timed pass from Yamal sent Porro into the box, where he pulled back for Dani Olmo. Olmo’s shot was initially saved by Courtois, but Ruiz was quick to capitalize on the rebound.
After leaving the ball in the net, Ruiz gestured to the ballboy for another, tucked it under his shirt, and celebrated enthusiastically. Spain, having gained a lead, looked in total control, especially after the break. Following a shaky start, Lamine Yamal began to shine, consistently challenging Belgium’s defense and earning a free kick after being fouled on the edge of the area. Courtois managed to save the resulting attempt.
The referee, Michael Oliver, accidentally collided with Olmo, offering an apology. However, Spain’s momentum continued as they executed a brilliant one-touch move, though it fell apart just outside the box as Mikel Oyarzabal attempted a back-heel for Olmo. Yamal then displayed his skill, evading Jérémy Doku and hitting the side-netting, suggesting Spain’s dominance.
Then, at 40 minutes and 12 seconds into the match, Spain faced a setback. Belgium scored their first goal of the tournament when Charles De Ketelaere headed the ball into the net. The play commenced with Doku surging down the left flank, and after a series of swift passes, Kevin De Bruyne’s precise delivery set up De Ketelaere to outpace Pau Cubarsi and score.
The second half kicked off with another excellent pass from Cubarsi, who had previously pierced the Belgian defense to find Álex Baena. This time, he sent Lamine Yamal into the box, but despite Courtois’s save and the offside flag, the chance offered hope for Spain. However, the next opportunity arose for Belgium, with Yamal’s low shot narrowly missing the target from the edge of the area.
Spain sought more clarity and incisiveness in their play, leading to the early introduction of Pedri and Ferran Torres. But before they could make an impact, Belgium provided a warning when Doku linked up with De Bruyne, allowing Maxim De Cruyper to unleash a shot that struck the side netting. In response, Rudi Garcia made three substitutions, introducing Axel Witsel, Joaquin Seys, and Romelu Lukaku. Despite a curling shot from Yamal being deflected by Courtois, the keeper also denied Oyarzabal at the near post after being set up by Yamal.
Tragedy struck for Belgium during a commercial break when Courtois went down, clutching his thigh. Although he attempted to continue, he ultimately left the field in tears. This injury followed Youri Tielemans’s early exit, compounding Belgium’s woes. De Bruyne would also need to come off later. Despite the ongoing challenges, Spain found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Belgium’s resolute defense.
With Belgium digging in deep, the question lingered: how long could they hold out? The answer came swiftly after Merino’s introduction, as just one minute and fifty-six seconds later, and with a single touch, Spain sealed their semi-final spot.
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