Amazing run of defense in Spain on FIFA World Cup it eventually made it to the finals, but it wasn’t enough to stop them from reaching the semifinals. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s 650-minute shutout record was snatched by Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday before Spain won 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.Belgium became the first team to score against Spain in this World Cup when Charles De Ketelaere found the net in the 41st minute, ending Simón’s goalless run. Despite this back-and-forth, Spain kept their hopes alive and will now face favorites France in Tuesday’s final.
Simón sets a new World Cup record
Before Belgium’s goal, Simón went 650 minutes without a World Cup appearance, setting a new record. His streak included six straight goals and surpassed the previous record of 517 minutes set by Italian midfielder Walter Zenga at the 1990 World Cup.The run began after Spain’s match in the round of 16 against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and continues at this year’s tournament, which includes a goalless draw against Cape Verde and four consecutive wins without defeat.
Merino delivers again
Spain looked to have more time after Belgium blocked Fabian Ruiz’s opener. Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but De Ketelaere equalized 11 minutes later with a header from Timothy Castagne’s cross.The game was decided in the 88th minute when Merino, who had just come on as a substitute, made a quick reaction after Belgium striker Senne Lammens tipped over Pau CubarsÃ’s powerful shot. The Arsenal midfielder scored with his second touch of the game to send Spain into the last four.Merino was also Spain’s hero in the previous round, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Belgium has a heart attack of late
Belgium were forced to make a substitution in the 71st minute after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left with what appeared to be a thigh injury. Full-back Senne Lammens came on as a substitute but was unable to stop Merino’s late winner.Belgium pressed for another goal in the closing minutes, but Aymeric Laporte canceled out their best chance as Spain held on for victory.The win extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 games, a run that began in March 2023.
