Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's hero yet again, scoring in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and set up a World Cup semi-final against France — but the decisive goal came courtesy of a calamitous error by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Spain struck first through Fabian Ruiz, who tapped home a rebound on the half-hour mark, but Belgium levelled before the interval as Charles De Ketelaere nodded in the first goal Spain had shipped in the tournament. The match appeared headed for extra-time after a tense second half, until calamity struck in the 71st minute: first-choice Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to be substituted through injury, visibly emotional as he left the pitch. Lammens came on for the Real Madrid star.
“Mikel Merino's 88th-minute winner sends Spain to semi-finals after Lammens error; four England players risk suspension.”
With seven minutes remaining, Spain defender Pau Cubarsi fired a shot that Lammens fumbled, and Arsenal's Mikel Merino capitalised. The goal sent Spain through to face France and left Belgium eliminated in the most agonising fashion. Belgian media reacted with fury. Le Soir's expert headlined a report: "I'm disgusted that we went home with such a goal." The newspaper's analyst said: "Senne Lammens simply cannot make a mistake like that on the second goal. He has to hold onto that ball every time. It is a massive blunder by the Manchester United goalkeeper, one that sends us packing. I'm gutted to go home because of a goal like that. I would have preferred a 3–0 thrashing. Lammens cost us the match." The analyst added that even at Royal Antwerp, Lammens was "prone to the occasional lapse in concentration", and noted he has been "conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game" since moving to Manchester. Rival outlet Sporza acknowledged the howler but offered some comfort to the United stopper.
While Spain prepare for a semi-final clash with France, England face their own disciplinary concerns ahead of Friday's quarter-final against Norway. The Standard reports that four England players are at risk of suspension for any potential semi-final, with several players walking a tightrope on yellow cards. Thomas Tuchel's side must navigate Norway before thoughts turn to a possible last-four meeting — and the threat of key absences looms if bookings pile up.