Spain Hold Their Nerve to Defeat Belgium 2-1
Spain secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final, earning a place in the semi-finals after a dramatic contest. Both teams created plenty of opportunities, but Spain showed greater composure in the decisive moments.
Spain controlled possession for long periods and looked comfortable on the ball, while Belgium relied on quick counter-attacks and physical defending to stay in the contest.
First Half: Spain Strike First, Belgium Respond
Spain opened the scoring through Fabián Ruiz, who reacted quickest inside the penalty area after a rebound. The goal rewarded Spain's patient attacking play and early dominance.
Belgium refused to back down and found an equaliser before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere powered home a header following a well-worked move. The goal shifted momentum and ensured the match remained evenly balanced heading into the break.
Second Half: Merino Delivers the Winner
The second half was played at a high intensity, with both sides creating dangerous chances.
Belgium suffered a setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury, bringing substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens into action. Spain increased the pressure, and in the closing stages Mikel Merino capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to score the winning goal.
Belgium pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Spain's defence stayed organised and protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.
What Spain Did Well
- Controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
- Created consistent attacking opportunities.
- Stayed calm under pressure in the closing minutes.
- Strong defensive organisation after taking the lead.
Areas Spain Can Improve
- Allowed Belgium back into the match after taking an early lead.
- Missed several chances that could have made the game more comfortable.
- Will need to be even sharper against stronger semi-final opposition.
Belgium's Positives
- Showed resilience after conceding first.
- De Ketelaere delivered an impressive attacking performance.
- Continued fighting despite injuries and late pressure.
Belgium's Weaknesses
- Goalkeeping changes disrupted defensive stability.
- Struggled to contain Spain's movement in midfield.
- Missed key opportunities late in the match.
What's Next?
With this victory, Spain advances to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where an even tougher challenge awaits against France. Belgium's World Cup campaign ends at the quarter-final stage after an impressive tournament run.
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