Spain is heading to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since their 2010 championship run, and they have Mikel Merino's late heroics to thank for it. The Real Sociedad midfielder struck in the 88th minute to break Belgian hearts and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory in Friday's quarterfinal at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

It was a match that saw Spain's defensive fortress finally breached after 649 consecutive minutes without conceding at this tournament—only for La Roja to respond with the kind of resilience that has defined their campaign.

Fabián Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Spain controlled the early proceedings, with their trademark possession game keeping Belgium at arm's length. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished a flowing team move to give Spain the lead. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been one of the quietly impressive performers of this World Cup, and his composed finish showcased why manager Luis de la Fuente trusts him in the big moments.

But Belgium, playing without captain Youri Tielemans who suffered a warm-up injury, refused to wilt. The Red Devils found their equalizer before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose 41st-minute strike not only ended Spain's remarkable defensive run but also wrote his name into Belgian football history.

De Ketelaere Joins Belgian Royalty

With that goal, De Ketelaere moved level with Romelu Lukaku and Jan Ceulemans as Belgium's joint-top World Cup scorers ever with six goals across all tournaments. For a 25-year-old who has blossomed into a complete forward at AC Milan, it was a moment that confirmed his arrival on the biggest stage.

The second half became a tactical chess match. Belgium goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, playing despite carrying a knock, was forced off after a collision, leaving backup Senne Lammens to face the Spanish onslaught. Spain's Lamine Yamal, still just 19 years old, continued to torment the Belgian defense down the right flank, creating chance after chance that went begging.

Merino's Moment of Magic

As the match seemed destined for extra time, Spain found the winner that sent their fans into delirium. In the 88th minute, a scramble in the Belgian box saw Lammens parry an initial effort, only for Merino to pounce on the rebound and fire home from close range.

The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Spanish contingent in the crowd, with manager De la Fuente pumping his fists on the touchline. For Merino, it was redemption after a relatively quiet tournament thus far—a reminder that World Cups are made by moments, not form tables.

Spain's Golden Generation 2.0

This Spanish side is beginning to draw comparisons to the legendary team that won in South Africa 16 years ago. The blend of experienced heads like Rodri and younger stars like Yamal has created a unit that can control games while also producing match-winning moments.

Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who serves as the heartbeat of this team, was once again imperious in the center of the park. His ability to dictate tempo and break up Belgian counters was crucial to Spain weathering the storm after conceding the equalizer.

Those words from Merino in his post-match interview captured the mood in the Spanish camp. They will now face France in what promises to be an epic semifinal clash on July 15.

Belgium's Heartbreak Continues

For Belgium's "Golden Generation," it's another devastating exit from a major tournament. The Red Devils have reached three consecutive World Cup quarterfinals without making a semifinal, and questions will inevitably arise about whether this is the end of an era.

Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and the other senior players gave everything, but Spain's quality in the decisive moments proved too much. De Ketelaere's emergence offers hope for the future, but the Belgian faithful will wonder what might have been had Courtois stayed fit or Tielemans been available from the start.

What's Next

Spain's reward is a semifinal date with France, who await after their own progression through the bracket. It's a clash of European giants that will command global attention. Meanwhile, the other semifinal will be determined by Friday night's quarterfinal between Norway and England, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane set to battle for a place in the final four.

For Spain, the message is clear: after 16 years of near-misses and disappointments, La Roja is back among the world's elite and just two wins away from reclaiming the crown they last wore in 2010.