Spain Beats Belgium 2-1, Reaches World Cup Semifinals

Spain is heading back to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since they won the whole tournament in 2010, thanks to a heart-stopping 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles.

The match delivered edge-of-your-seat drama from start to finish. Spain midfielder Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, combining beautifully with his teammates to fire home after a sharp passing sequence that left Belgian defenders scrambling.

Belgium refused to fold. Down but not defeated, they clawed back before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere perfectly timed his run to head home a cross from Timothy Castagne, evening the score at 1-1.

The goal marked the first time Spain had conceded all tournament. Their defensive wall had finally been breached, and suddenly the quarter-final was wide open.

Both teams traded chances after the break, with Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal growing more dangerous and Belgium bringing on veteran striker Romelu Lukaku to hunt for a winner. The match felt destined for extra time as the clock ticked past the 85th minute.

Then came the heartbreak and the heroics. Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who had just entered the match after Thibaut Courtois left injured, couldn't hold onto a low shot from defender Pau Cubarsi in the 88th minute.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino pounced on the loose ball and smashed it home. For the second straight match, the substitute midfielder had delivered a crucial late goal, having also scored the winner against Portugal just days earlier.

Why This Inspires

Spain's journey represents the perfect blend of experience and youth paying off on the world's biggest stage. Their patience throughout the tournament, conceding just one goal in five matches, shows how steady excellence creates opportunities for magical moments.

Merino's back-to-back heroics off the bench highlight the depth and team spirit that championship runs require. Every player stayed ready, and when the moment arrived, he delivered twice.

Now Spain faces France and the red-hot Kylian Mbappé in Dallas on Wednesday, chasing their second World Cup title and first since that glorious 2010 campaign.

One game stands between Spain and a chance to lift the trophy again.