Spain edged past a resilient Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles to secure its spot in the last 8. La Roja dominated much of the contest and finally broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark. After Thibaut Courtois denied Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound to fire into the middle of the net. Belgium weathered sustained Spanish pressure before Charles De Ketelaere headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross in the 41st minute, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

The second half remained open, with both goalkeepers producing crucial saves. Courtois then suffered an injury that forced him off in the 71st minute, with Senne Lammens replacing him.

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. Lammens initially saved Pau Cubarsí’s long-range effort, but substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest to the loose ball, calmly slotting home the rebound to send Spain into the semi-finals. La Roja will take on France on Tuesday. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)