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.