Merino's 88th-minute header snatches Spain's World Cup semi-final spot as Belgium's Courtois exits injured

Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a quarter-final defined by drama, misfortune, and a goalkeeping crisis that ultimately decided the tie.

Belgium’s night began badly before a ball was kicked, with captain Youri Tielemans ruled out as a late withdrawal. Yet the Red Devils were competitive throughout, equalising through Charles De Ketelaere’s header after Fabian Ruiz had broken the deadlock for Spain in the 30th minute — ending Unai Simon’s run of 649 minutes without conceding across the tournament.

Ruiz’s opener came from a moment of fortune. Dani Olmo met a low cross from Pedro Porro, only to be stopped by Thibaut Courtois, but the veteran keeper could only divert the ball onto Ruiz’s boot, and the midfielder finished from close range.

De Ketelaere’s equaliser gave Belgium genuine belief heading into the second half, and they continued to press. Maxim De Cuyper went close, drilling into the side netting, while Lamine Yamal threatened at the other end with his characteristic footwork, also finding only the side netting.

The pivotal moment arrived when Courtois, who had been receiving medical treatment, was forced off to be replaced by Senne Lammens. The substitute, who has impressed for Manchester United, could not hold a long-range strike, and Merino — alert in the penalty area — pounced to fire home the winner two minutes from time.

The result means Spain, the European champions, advance to the last four of the World Cup, while Belgium’s golden generation faces another early exit from a major tournament.