By Rory Carroll
INGLEWOOD, California, July 10 (Reuters) – Spain substitute Mikel Merino fired home from close range in the 88th minute to snatch a 2-1 win for his side over injury-hit Belgium on Friday and set up a semi-final clash with France.
After the teams went in level at 1-1 following the first half, Spain found the winner when Belgium’s back-up goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who came on in the second period for the injured Thibaut Courtois, failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s low strike.
The ball bounced in front of the keeper, giving Merino just enough time to fire home as the sold-out crowd largely backing Spain erupted on a sweltering day at Los Angeles Stadium.
The only other time Spain have reached the semi-finals at the World Cup was in 2010, when they won the tournament. They came fourth in 1950 when the final round was a group stage.
SPAIN START AGGRESSIVELY
Spain were aggressive early on and Fabian Ruiz gave them the lead in the 30th minute, pouncing after Courtois made a diving save to fire a shot between defender Timothy Castagne’s legs into the net.
Ruiz’s goal vindicated Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s surprise decision to start the Paris St Germain midfielder in place of Pedri, who came on for Ruiz early in the second half.
Belgium responded 11 minutes later through Charles De Ketelaere, who timed his run perfectly and headed Castagne’s cross past keeper Unai Simon, the first goal Spain have conceded in the tournament.
The equaliser breathed new life into Belgium and the teams battled to halftime in the oppressive heat.
Spain came out energised after the break and chipped away at the Belgium defence until Merino, introduced after 86 minutes, finally broke through to the delight of their supporters.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was taken out of the starting lineup shortly before kickoff after sustaining an injury in the warm-up, with Hans Vanaken replacing him.
Belgium were also without midfielder Amadou Onana, who tore his ACL in their round-of-16 win over the United States.
Among those in attendance at the sold-out stadium were musicians Courtney Love and Noel Gallagher, American actor Brad Pitt and Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
European champions Spain will face tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday for a spot in the final.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Additional reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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