Spain's thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage has set up a mouth-watering semi-final against France. The match in Los Angeles was a testament to Spain's resilience and tactical prowess, with Mikel Merino's late heroics proving to be the difference. This is the second time in the tournament that Merino has come up with a crucial goal in the dying moments, showcasing his ability to step up in big games.
Merino's impact as a substitute cannot be overstated. His introduction in the 88th minute was a masterstroke by coach Luis de la Fuente, as he pounced on an error from Belgium's goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who was making his first appearance of the tournament. Merino's only touch in the Belgium box resulted in the decisive goal, a testament to his composure and skill. This is a remarkable achievement for the Arsenal midfielder, who has now scored the winning goal in two different knockout stage matches as a substitute, becoming the first player in World Cup history to do so.
Spain's unbeaten run since March 2023 is an impressive feat, and their ability to bounce back from Belgium's early goal is a sign of their mental strength and tactical discipline. The team's build-up play was a sight to behold, with Lamine Yamal and Rodri leading the charge. Yamal, in particular, showcased his class with six efforts at goal and four successful dribbles, feeding off the patient build-up play of his teammates. His performance was a blend of artistry and industry, a true testament to Spain's attacking prowess.
Rodri, the Spain captain, has been the cornerstone of the team's success. His line-breaking passes in the final third have been instrumental in Spain's success, with 62 such passes equalling the record set by Germany's Toni Kroos in 2014. Rodri's ability to take on extra responsibility and perform at the highest level is a sign of his leadership and skill. The Spain captain is a key reason why the team is moving into stealth mode at the perfect time, ready to take on the tournament favourites, France.
The semi-final against France will be a true test of Spain's mettle. The French team is a force to be reckoned with, and the Spanish side will need to bring their A-game to secure a place in the final. However, with Merino's late goals and the team's collective resilience, Spain has a fighting chance. The tournament has been a showcase of Spain's tactical acumen and individual brilliance, and their journey to the semi-finals is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
As the tournament progresses, Spain continues to impress, and their ability to adapt and overcome challenges is a sign of their strength. The team's performance has been a joy to watch, and their semi-final against France is a highly anticipated affair. The Spanish side will need to bring their best game to secure a place in the final, but with their current form and spirit, they are a force to be reckoned with.
