Mikel Merino is Spain’s World Cup hero once again, scoring a clutch goal in the 88th minute to send Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Merino’s Big Moment

Merino’s goal came after Belgium’s backup goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, spilled the ball into his path. Merino booted it home, sending Spain to the semifinals for the first time since they won the World Cup in 2010.

Fabián Ruiz scored a rebound goal in the 30th minute for Spain, but Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere evened it with the first goal allowed by the Spanish team in the entire World Cup in the 41st minute.

Spain Advances

Spain will meet France in the semifinals on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Neither team has lost at this year’s World Cup.

Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said, ‘We are capable of winning this game — and not just now, but I would have said this a few weeks ago as well. They are a great giant of football, but I trust our team.’

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.