Merino sends Spain into World Cup semi-finals as Belgium's Courtois injury proves costly
Quick summary
Merino scored to give Spain a quarter-final victory over Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, while Belgium were hurt by an injury to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMikel Merino’s amazing moment arrived once more, a country circling the corner flag with him. The man who came on to scored the late, late goals that took Spain into a European championship semi final two years ago and a World Cup quarter final four days ago, only went and did it again. This is some hat-trick, history made here. Introduced as sub on 85.32 with Spain struggling to find a way through against Belgium, Merino was the man most alert in the whole of Los Angeles, pouncing on a loose ball on 87.28 to send Spain to the semi-final against France next week.
As he set off on that now familiar celebration in honour of his father, poor Thibaut Courtois the man who might have prevented this could only watch from the bench. Senne Lammers, who had dropped Pau Cubarsi’s shot at his feet could only do the same. Spain, meanwhile, went mad. They had done it. It had started with a big decision vindicated and it had ended with one too; it had ended with them heading to Dallas once more.
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What happened
Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a narrow quarter-final win over Belgium. Merino's goal proved decisive, sending Spain through to the last four. Belgium's campaign ended in disappointment, compounded by a significant injury to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois which the Guardian describes as 'costly.' The result eliminates Belgium from the tournament while keeping Spain's World Cup title push alive.
Chance analysis
This result cements Spain's status as a serious World Cup contender and sets up a semi-final tie. Belgium's elimination, combined with the Courtois injury, raises questions about the next cycle for a squad facing renewal. For prediction systems, the key takeaway is that Spain continue to deliver in knockout football and carry momentum, while Belgium's goalkeeping depth becomes a concern for upcoming fixtures.
Spain gain momentum and a semi-final berth; Belgium exit the tournament and face a goalkeeping concern with Courtois injured.
Spain are in form and advancing; rate them strongly in any subsequent World Cup semi-final model.