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Mikel Merino stars again as Spain edges Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals
- On Friday, July 10, 2026, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in the World Cup quarterfinals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute to advance to the semifinals.
- Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute off a rebound, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute, ending Spain's tournament-record shutout streak of 649 minutes without conceding.
- Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois exited in the 71st minute with a thigh injury; replacement Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's low shot in the 88th minute, allowing Merino to pounce on the rebound.
- Merino's strike marked his second consecutive late winner as a substitute, making the Arsenal midfielder the first player to score winning knockout goals in two different matches off the bench in World Cup history.
- Spain will face France on Tuesday, July 14, in Dallas for a spot in the World Cup final, extending an unbeaten streak that has reached 37 matches across all competitions.
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After Mikel Merino's last minute hit against Belgium 2:1, the Spaniards look forward to the »Finale vor dem Finale« against France with hope.
Helena Independent RecordReposted by 
Montana Standard
Montana StandardMerino lifts Spain past Belgium
Mikel Merino came off the bench again to save Spain, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 88th minute to defeat Belgium 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal match on Friday in Inglewood, Calif.
·Helena, United States
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Total News Sources428
Leaning Left61Leaning Right57Center80Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 31%
C 40%
R 29%
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