Mikel Merino did it again. Introduced as a substitute on 85 minutes and 32 seconds with Spain struggling to find a way through, the Arsenal midfielder pounced on a loose ball three minutes and 56 seconds later to send the European champions into a World Cup semi-final against France. The loose ball came courtesy of Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois only to badly fumble Pau Cubarsi’s long shot. Merino, the man most alert in the whole of Los Angeles, snatched the winner with his first touch, triggering wild celebrations as his team-mates circled the corner flag with him.
It is becoming a habit. Two years ago Merino scored the late goals that took Spain into a European Championship semi-final; four days ago he did the same to beat Portugal in the last 16. This, as Sid Lowe wrote in the Guardian, is some hat-trick.
“Mikel Merino's late winner after Senne Lammens's howler sends Spain to semi-final against France.”
Thibaut Courtois could only watch from the bench, having left the pitch in tears with an injury that forced his withdrawal. Senne Lammens, on his World Cup debut, will rue the moment the ball slipped through his grasp. Belgium were also without Youri Tielemans, who was injured in the warm-up.
Spain had taken the lead in the first half through Fabian Ruiz. Luis de la Fuente’s decision to replace Pedri with the PSG midfielder was vindicated. A neat move involving Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal opened up the Belgium defence, with Porro pulling back for Dani Olmo. Courtois saved Olmo’s first-time shot but Ruiz reacted fastest to force home the rebound.
Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium after nearly 650 minutes of World Cup football without conceding for Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Kevin De Bruyne found Timothy Castagne, and De Ketelaere outmuscled Cubarsi to head home from close range. It was a fine goal, but Spain dominated for long periods and pressed for a winner. Lamine Yamal was a constant threat, forcing a save from Courtois at a free-kick.
After Courtois limped off, Lammens made several saves but ultimately cracked under pressure. Merino, alert to the fumble, stabbed the ball home and set off on his now familiar celebration in honour of his father. Spain head to Dallas to face France next week. For Belgium, the question of what might have been with a fit Courtois will linger.