​Spain have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010 after a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring around the half-hour mark, slamming the ball into the roof of the net after Thibaut Courtois palmed away Dani Olmo’s low strike from inside the box. Belgium equalised before the break when Charles De Ketelaere headed home from close range following a precise passing move.
Mikel Merino once again provided the decisive moment for Spain, coming off the bench to bundle the ball home from close range with only a few minutes remaining. Spain made one alteration to their starting XI following the 1-0 win over Portugal, with Ruiz replacing Pedri in the midfield. Belgium made two adjustments, bringing in Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne for Amadou Onana and Dodi Lukébakio. A further change occurred during warm-ups when Youri Tielemans pulled up injured and was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
The opening exchanges were cagey, with Rodri testing the Belgian defense early on with a volley from inside the area that was blocked, and Lamine Yamal attempting to break the deadlock but curling his effort wide from the edge of the box. The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute as Ruiz struck decisively after Courtois parried Olmo’s low effort into the heart of the area. Moments later, Yamal won a dangerous free-kick when he was fouled by Doku, but Courtois again proved equal to the test.
Álex Baena looked likely to extend Spain’s advantage as he burst through the Belgium defense, but he was penalised for handling the ball in the build-up and saw his shot go wide. Yamal continued to threaten, cutting inside and firing at goal, only to see it cheat the side netting.
Belgium drew level just before the break when De Ketelaere headed home from close range, marking the end of Spain’s run of clean sheets at this World Cup. Pau Cubarrés appeared to reach a yellow card soon after for a foul on De Bruyne as Spain pressed for a late advantage, with a sequence of corners failing to yield a breakthrough as the half came to a close.
Spain began the second half well, with Yamal volleying over and winning a corner that allowed Olmo to shoot high and wide from the edge of the box. A double substitution followed for La Roja as Pedri and Ferran Torres came on for Álex Baena and Ruiz. Belgium responded by making changes of their own, bringing on Romelu Lukaku, Joaquin Seys and Axel Witsel for Leandro Trossard, Maxim De Cuyper and Hans Vanaken.
Courtois was again called into action just after the hour, denying Mikel Oyarzabal from a tight angle as Belgium adjusted to the momentum of the game. The goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes helped Belgium stave off further danger as Spain sought a second goal. The pressure finally paid off when Merino, who had been introduced as a substitute, found the net in the closing stages to restore Spain’s lead. The ball was bundled home from close range, sealing the 2-1 victory and sending Spain through to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010.