Mikel Merino struck an 88th-minute winner as Spain beat Belgium to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The victory marks only the second time Spain have advanced to this stage of the competition and their first World Cup knockout triumphs since they lifted the trophy in 2010.
The midfielder has developed an extraordinary habit of scoring decisive late goals at major tournaments. All three of his goals for Spain in these competitions have arrived after he entered the match from the bench, and each has proven to be a winner that sent his country through. He previously headed home against Germany in the 119th minute at Euro 2024, then netted in stoppage time against Portugal in the round of 16, before his latest intervention in Los Angeles.
A Family Celebration
Merino marks each goal by circling the corner flag, a tribute to his father Ángel, who scored the winner for Osasuna against Stuttgart 35 years ago. At Euro 2024, Merino’s header came in the same stadium where his father had previously netted. Ángel watched the Belgium match wearing novelty socks bearing an image of that Stuttgart goal.
The midfielder dedicated the strike to his two-month-old son Marco, whom he has barely seen during the tournament. He expressed hope that video footage would help him explain these moments to his child in future, noting that his family’s presence provides the “good energy” that contributes to his success.
De la Fuente’s Faith
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente maintained faith in Merino despite an injury that restricted the player to less than half an hour of football since February. The manager praised the midfielder’s tactical intelligence and versatility after the match.
“Mikel is super-complete,” De la Fuente said. “He’s operated as a defensive midfielder, a number eight, a playmaker and a striker, excelling in every role. He possesses exceptional game intelligence, understands exactly what the team requires, and maintains composure under pressure. He has commitment, solidarity.”
Breaking the Quarter-Final Barrier
Spain dominated possession with 68% against Belgium and created three times as many shots, yet the score remained level until Merino’s finish. The midfielder had been on the pitch for less than two minutes when he converted. He played only five minutes plus stoppage time against Portugal and four minutes against Belgium, yet proved decisive in both fixtures.
The victory breaks a pattern of quarter-final exits that had blocked Spain in 1986, 1994 and 2002. Having secured their first World Cup knockout victories for 15 years, De la Fuente’s side now advance to the semi-finals carrying significant momentum.