Spain's World Cup 2026 campaign continues to be a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess, as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. The match showcased the team's ability to adapt and their star players' clutch performances, with Mikel Merino emerging as the hero once again.
Merino, a substitute, made an immediate impact in the 88th minute, pouncing on an error from Belgium's goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who was forced into a late substitution due to injury. This was a fitting moment for Merino, who has become a reliable source of late goals for both club and country. His only touch in the Belgium box resulted in the decisive goal, showcasing his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
This victory marks Spain's 36th unbeaten match since March 2023, a remarkable streak that highlights their consistency and depth as a team. The win sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against tournament favorites France, a match that promises to be a true test of Spain's capabilities.
The game also featured a vintage performance from Spain's stars, with Lamine Yamal and Rodri standing out. Yamal, a young talent, demonstrated his creativity and artistry, finishing top of the creative charts with six efforts at goal and four successful dribbles. His ability to link up play and create chances was a key factor in Spain's success.
Rodri, the Spain captain, continued his exceptional form, making 62 line-breaking passes in the final third, equaling the record set by Germany's Toni Kroos in 2014. His leadership and technical prowess have been instrumental in Spain's dominance at this tournament.
The victory over Belgium was a testament to Spain's ability to adapt and their star players' clutch performances. As they prepare for the semi-final against France, Spain's fans can take confidence in their team's resilience and the magic of their late goalscoring specialists. The World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, with Spain firmly in the mix to lift the trophy.
