Arsenal’s Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a winning goal as Spain defeated Belgium at the ongoing FIFA World Cup co-hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
On his second touch at the Los Angeles stadium, USA handed Spain a lifeline to prpel them to the semifinal after winning in the quarterfinals..
Fabian Ruiz handed the 2010 champions the lead for Spain in the 30th minute for a 1-0 lead before Charles de Kelelarae leveled in the 41st minute for Rudi Garcia coached Belgium to a 1-1 draw into the water break.
As the two nations battled on who to face France at the semifinals, Luis de la Fuente introduced Merino who fired in the winner in the 88th minute.
The victory will see them take on 2018 champions France on Tuesday in the first semifinal.
France defeated Morocco in the first quarterfinal yesterday to become the first team to qualify into the best four as FIFA World Cup enters homestretch.