Spain, Belgium and Mikel Merino
Friday in Los Angeles
Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals and set up a heavyweight meeting with France. Mikel Merino scored the late winner after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot.
Belgium had equalised through Charles De Ketelaere after Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring, but Thibaut Courtois’ injury changed the match. Spain extended their unbeaten run to 36 games, moving one short of Italy’s all-time international record.