Super sub sends Spain to World Cup semis
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffEuropean champions Spain advanced to the semi-finals the FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday night.
Fixture: Spain v Belgium
Score: 2-1
Goalscorers: Ruiz (30'), Merino (88')/ De Ketelaere (41')
La Roja and the Red Devils bounced back to win their respective groups before the former edged Austria and Portugal for a spot in the last eight whereas, Rudi Garcia’s charges overcame Senegal and co-host United States on-route to the quarter-finals.
Spain made the bright start but were only rewarded right after the hydration break as Fabian Ruiz made a late run in the box to get on the end of a spill by Thibaut Courtois and slammed into the top corner of the net.
The exciting Lamine Yamal launched another strike to extend their lead shortly towards halftime with a hard-and-low left-footed free-kick on the edge of the six-yard box, but Courtois repelled to keep a slender deficit.
That drew inspiration from the Red Devils who went up at the other end to give Timothy Castagne an outlet on the right-side to deliver a cross in the box for Charles de Ketelaere, who headed in and bagged a second goal in as many matches.
Second Half:
The Red Devils switched to the bench ten minutes after the halftime break and Ferran Torres, Pedri came for Alex Baena and Ruiz respectively.
Five minutes into the second half, Yamal carved out another opening for Spain on his trademark turn on the far side and curled towards the top corner, but Courtois was once again equal to the effort.
As La Roja continued piling on the pressure to regain their lead, the Red Devils were thrown into jeopardy late on when Courtois pulled up with a knock and couldn’t continue, handing Senne Lammens his first appearance at the tournament.
Spain made their dominance count with three minutes to go to the end after Lammens failed to hold onto a long-range strike from the edge of the box by Pau Cubarsi and substitute Mikel Merino reacted quickest to finish on the rebound.