Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was Spain’s hero once again as his dramatic late goal secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium and sent La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals.
Merino continued his knack for decisive moments by coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the 88th minute of a fiercely contested quarter-final in Los Angeles.
The 29-year-old had already rescued Spain in the previous round, netting a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, and repeated the feat with another crucial contribution when his side needed him most.
With the tie level at 1-1 and seemingly heading for extra time, Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens – who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois – failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s powerful 25-yard effort. Merino reacted quickest, firing the loose ball into the roof of the net from close range to spark wild celebrations.
Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz after 30 minutes, but Belgium responded just before the interval as Charles De Ketelaere headed home four minutes before half-time to level the scores.
Merino’s late intervention ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side booked their place in the last four, where they will face France in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July (8pm BST).
The victory keeps Spain’s hopes of lifting the World Cup alive, with Merino once again proving to be the difference-maker on the biggest stage.