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World Cup recap: Merino scores winner for Spain vs. Belgium to advance to last four
Spain advances
Spain kept its World Cup run alive with a 2-1 win over Belgium, and Mikel Merino once again delivered the decisive goal off the bench. The victory moved Spain into the semifinals and reinforced the idea that their depth is becoming one of the tournament’s defining strengths.
Why it matters
The result matters because Spain now sits one match away from the final, where momentum and squad rotation often decide knockout tournaments. A team that can repeatedly find late answers is usually dangerous in a compressed event like the World Cup.
What’s next
Spain’s next step will be shaped by the other semifinal side, with the bracket now narrowing toward a final showdown between elite contenders. If Spain maintains this form, it will remain one of the strongest candidates for the trophy.