INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a thrilling FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, Spain edged out Belgium 2-1 on Friday, thanks to a last-minute goal by substitute Mikel Merino. This victory paves the way for a highly anticipated semifinal clash against France.
The first half was action-packed as the teams exchanged goals. Spain’s Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a rebound. However, Belgium quickly leveled the score in the 41st minute through Charles de Quetelaère, who converted a cross from Timothy Castagne. In a dramatic finish, Spain’s Pau Kvarsi unleashed a long-range shot that set up Merino to score the decisive goal just two minutes after regulation time ended.
As Spain prepares to face France in the semifinals on Tuesday, La Roja might relish the chance to regroup after a taxing match against the Red Devils. — Jeff Carlyle
Merino’s Heroics Highlight Spain’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Throughout this tournament, Spain has scored 11 goals with an expected goals (xG) value of 11.83. This discrepancy raises concerns about the team’s finishing abilities, particularly given their lack of a traditional center-forward.
While Mikel Oyarzabal has played as a central striker this season, he has historically struggled to find the net, scoring just 18 goals this year, with half of those penalties. His replacement, Ferran Torres, has also spent a significant portion of his career away from the front lines and, despite a more offensive role at club level, he hasn’t proven to be a clinical finisher either. This season marked the first time he scored more than 10 league goals in a single campaign.
De la Fuente’s Tactical Decisions Raise Eyebrows
Coach Luis de la Fuente opted to bring in the robust Borja Iglesias, yet his minutes on the pitch remain sparse, with just a minute of action against Portugal. De la Fuente has emphasized creativity over a physical presence in the forward position, trusting that his strategy of movement and chance creation will yield results, even if it sometimes leads them to rely on players like Merino, who is not a traditional center-forward.
The lack of a central striker has drawn criticism, with observers pointing to Spain’s pass-heavy approach as a sign of either arrogance or stubbornness. Yet, de la Fuente stands firm in his philosophy, believing that strong teamwork will ultimately triumph, and Spanish players seem to share this confidence. — Gabriele Marcotti
Belgium’s Injury Woes Prove Costly
Belgium entered the match already reeling from injury issues, having lost midfielder Amadou Onana to an ACL tear in the Round of 16 against the United States. The team’s problems escalated when Youri Tielemans was ruled out just before kickoff due to a groin injury, raising concerns about their thin midfield.
While injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, the concentration of injuries in one area often leads to significant challenges. Adding to Belgium’s woes, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois exited the match in the 71st minute due to a muscular injury. His emotional response underscored how devastated he was to leave the field after making crucial saves.
This string of injuries proved too much for Belgium to overcome. The missed opportunities, particularly from Ramens during Kvarsi’s push, left the team pondering the “what ifs” of their campaign. — Carlisle
De la Fuente’s Bold Decisions Pay Off
Coach de la Fuente made a noteworthy choice by starting Fabian Ruiz over star midfielder Pedri, a player regarded as one of the best in his position globally. While Ruiz has been instrumental, Pedri’s absence raised eyebrows given his critical role in previous matches.
Despite the unexpected switch, de la Fuente has built a strong rapport with his players, ensuring that collective success outweighs individuality. Such tactical bravery underscores the unity within the team, which seems to trust in his decision-making.
De Quetelaere Shines Amid Belgium’s Struggles
Charles de Quetelaere’s performance stood out despite a challenging season at Atalanta, where he netted only three Serie A goals. He found new life during this World Cup, scoring twice in Belgium’s round of 16 victory over the United States and then adding another goal against Spain with a well-placed header.
This goal marked Spain’s first concession in the tournament, signaling De Quetelaere’s potential to rise on the international stage. His contributions extended beyond goal-scoring, as he provided a physical presence that the team sorely needed, especially when paired with the return of Romelu Lukaku.
Even in defeat, De Quetelaere’s World Cup exploits could significantly enhance his career trajectory moving forward. — Carlisle
