Mikel Merino scored another late winner as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench and struck in the 88th minute at SoFi Stadium. His goal sent Spain through to face France in Dallas on Tuesday.
It was Merino’s second decisive late goal in a row. He also scored the stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the previous round.
Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz after Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal combined on the right. Belgium equalised before half-time when Charles De Ketelaere headed in from Timothy Castagne’s cross.
ReadArsenal recently covered Luis de la Fuente’s praise for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi during Spain’s World Cup run, and Merino has now given Mikel Arteta another Spanish storyline to track.
Merino Makes Another Arsenal Statement
Merino’s winner came after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a low effort from Pau Cubarsi. The Arsenal midfielder reacted quickest and finished from close range.
It was a painful moment for Lammens, who had replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois only 18 minutes earlier.
For Arsenal, the bigger picture is Merino’s impact. He has not needed long spells on the pitch to influence Spain’s knockout matches.
That matters before pre-season. Merino will return late if Spain reach the final, but he is also building sharpness and confidence on the biggest stage.
Spain now face France, who beat Morocco in their quarter-final. A midfield containing Merino, Zubimendi, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz gives De la Fuente serious options before that semi-final.
Arteta will have to wait longer for his Spain players. Merino is making that wait worthwhile.
