Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the winner in the 88th minute. The Arsenal forward capitalized on a rebound after backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot from Pau Cubarsi.

Merino, who came on in the 86th minute, scored with his second touch of the match. He had also been the hero in the round of 16, scoring in stoppage time to beat Portugal 1-0. Spain will now face tournament favorites France in the semifinals on Tuesday in Dallas.

Belgium's starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the match in the 71st minute with an apparent thigh injury, forcing Lammens into action. The Manchester United keeper's error proved costly as he failed to hold Cubarsi's long-range effort.

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who scored after Courtois parried Dani Olmo's shot. Belgium equalized in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere headed home from Timothy Castagne's cross, ending Spain's record streak of 649 minutes without conceding at the World Cup.

Belgium pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Aymeric Laporte cleared their best chance off the line. Spain's victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with France, who have been dominant throughout the tournament.

Source: www.aljazeera.com