SPORTS
Merino strike sends Spain past Belgium into World Cup semis
European champions Spain went ahead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz converted a rebound after Thibaut Courtois had superbly saved Dani Olmo's strike.
Spain's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal. Picture credit: Reuters
Inglewood, California: Substitute Mikel Merino struck late as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday, booking a semi-final against France in Dallas on Tuesday.
- European champions Spain went ahead in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz converted a rebound after Thibaut Courtois had superbly saved Dani Olmo's strike.
- Belgium levelled in the 41st minute through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed Timothy Castagne's cross past goalkeeper Unai Simon.
- Courtois was forced off midway through the second half and replaced by Senne Lammens.
- Merino, introduced after 86 minutes, pounced two minutes later after Lammens failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's low strike.