FIFA 2026: Spain Qualify To Semi-final For Second Time Adtwr Quarter-final Victory

 

Spain are through to the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup for the second time, securing their place by battling a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-final. 

Since finishing third in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Belgium have been unable to reach the semi-final. They were eliminated in the group stage by Croatia in the last edition in Qatar in 2022. In the same tournament, Spain were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Morocco on penalties. 

Spain took the lead in the first half, when Fabian Ruiz finished off a rebound from Dani Olmo's attempt. Belgium leveled the scoreline when Charles De Ketelaere nodded home Timothy Castagne's cross in the closing minutes of the half. 

Belgium's resolve to hold on to the draw was broken as the game neared the closing minutes. Pau Cubarsi struck a 25-yard shot, and Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois due to an injury, saved the ball to the reach of on-rushing Mikel Merino for a tap-in. 

Spain will be making their second appearance in the FIFA World Cup semi-final since 2010 - they went on to win the tournament. They will now face France in the next match. 

Overview 

Belgium had a difficult game, even though they tried to make up for their deficit; the Spaniards were meticulous at breaking through their defensive walls. Spain was greatly influenced by Lamar, and he strongly influenced the first half. Belgium tried to close him down with Jeremy Doku, but he was too difficult to keep at bay. 

Spain had the better of the game, forcing Belgium into their own half. That hold was loosened when Belgium leveled. However, Spain's game plan to exploit long-range shots and capitalise on the rebound paid off. Conversely, Belgium had few breaks into the box, but they put the Spaniard defense to work each time they did. 

Chances and Defenses 

Spain had a great moment with Lamar, making a fabulous impact. The teenager was directly involved in the build-up to Fabian's and also made an individual effort to attempt.  Belgium, however, had few chances as they were forced deep into their own half until Castagne's cross cracked the wall for Ketelaere's goal. 

Great saves from Courtois denied Spain a couple of close chances. Among those saves was Lamar slipping a pass to Oyarzabal to score from a difficult angle on the right flank. Initially, Doku played defensive holding off Lamar for most of the first half. In the second half, he switched roles to offense as Belgium penetrated through the flanks.