Spain beats Belgium 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on July 10. A late goal from Mikel Merino secured the win, setting up a final-four clash with France scheduled for next Tuesday in Dallas.

The match at SoFi Stadium saw Spain, ranked second globally, dominate possession and create the majority of chances. They broke the deadlock after half an hour when Fabian Ruiz scored his first World Cup goal, converting a rebound after Dani Olmo's shot was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium, which had eliminated co-host the United States to reach this stage, found an equalizer just before halftime. Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 41st minute, marking the first goal conceded by Spain in the entire tournament.

The second half continued with Spanish pressure, with teenage forward Lamine Yamal proving a persistent threat. Belgium nearly took the lead on a counter-attack, but Maxim De Cuyper's effort found the side-netting. A pivotal moment arrived when Belgian stalwart Thibaut Courtois was forced off due to injury, replaced by substitute Senne Lammens. The change proved decisive in the 88th...