Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after securing 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals. It marks La Roja's first appearance in the last four of the World Cup since winning the title in 2010.
Despite taking the lead in the first half, Spain went into the break level at 1-1 after Belgium responded before halftime. The Spaniards, however, found a dramatic late winner in the second half to seal their place in the semi-finals.
Spain dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle. Head coach opted to start Fabián Ruiz in place of Pedri, and the midfielder justified the decision by opening the scoring in the 30th minute.
Dani Olmo unleashed a powerful effort from just outside the six-yard area, which Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brilliantly parried but failed to clear completely. Ruiz reacted quickest to the rebound, and his shot took a deflection off a Belgian defender before finding the back of the net.
Belgium refused to back down and pushed hard for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Charles De Ketelaere finished clinically past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón to make it 1-1. With no further goals before the interval, the teams headed into halftime all square.
The goal was Spain's first conceded in the tournament, ending their impressive defensive streak after keeping clean sheets in every previous World Cup match.
Belgium suffered a major setback early in the second half when Courtois was forced off through injury. Young goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him and faced the difficult task of containing Spain's relentless attacks.
As both teams continued to trade chances, Spain finally broke through in the 88th minute. Mikel Merino reacted calmly inside the penalty area and fired a composed finish into the net to restore Spain's lead.
Belgium were unable to find another response in the closing minutes, as Spain held on for a 2-1 victory to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Spain will now face France in a blockbuster semi-final as they continue their pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title.
