World Cup Semifinals Set
LIVE NOW: Spain vs. Belgium
European champion Spain can continue to dream of a second World Cup title. On Friday in Los Angeles, the team that eliminated Austria in the round of 16 advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium and will face France there on Tuesday.
Kronen Zeitung als bevorzugte Google-Quelle hinzufügen Fabian Ruiz (30th minute) and Mikel Merino (88th minute)—who had already been the late match-winner in the round of 16 against Portugal—scored for “La Roja,” which had its work cut out for it despite clear dominance. Belgium held out hope for a long time thanks to Charles De Ketelaere (41st), despite personnel setbacks.
For the previously undefeated Spanish team, Ruiz surprisingly replaced Pedri in midfield; otherwise, coach Luis de la Fuente made no other changes. Belgium’s squad also had to do without Youri Tielemans following Amadou Onana’s cruciate ligament tear; Kevin De Bruyne took his place in midfield. The captain was injured during warm-ups, earning Hans Vanaken a spot in the starting lineup. Jeremy Doku also came in for Dodi Lukebakio.
Spain dominated in front of 70,492 spectators—whether in a somewhat restrained manner as at the start or much more unbridled after the first water break. Belgium failed to mount any noteworthy offensive plays for a long time, but at least strove for a flexible defense and discipline. However, in the face of the Spaniards’ growing enthusiasm, that was no longer enough after half an hour. Thibaut Courtois managed to save a shot by Dani Olmo, but Ruiz capitalized on the rebound.
Goalkeeper Change Signals Belgium’s Downfall
The Spaniards let further chances slip away, while Belgium, on the other hand, showed efficiency. On one of their rare forays into the Spanish penalty area, the ball was crossed to De Ketelaere after several passes; he outmuscled Cubarsi and headed home the equalizer. For Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon, his record streak of 649 minutes without conceding a goal at a World Cup came to an end.
The halftime whistle brought no changes, even though Belgium had the first chance with a shot by De Cuyper that hit the outside net (55th minute). Spain’s passing plays mostly came to nothing, while Belgium waited for counterattacks led by the agile Doku. Courtois made two saves against Yamal (58th), who was unlucky that evening, and Mikel Oyarzabal (62nd). Shortly afterward, however, it was all over for the 34-year-old, who had to make way for Senne Lammens due to a thigh injury.
Lammens became the tragic figure after a 20-minute Spanish power play that yielded no clear-cut chances. The Manchester United goalkeeper fumbled a low long-range shot from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Merino—who had just come on as a substitute—to tap in the rebound. He had already sealed the victory in the 91st minute of the round of 16 match against Portugal. With this win, the Spanish team is now unbeaten in 37 competitive matches after regulation and overtime.
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