Super-sub Merino breaks Belgian hearts again as Spain edge into semi-f

[isummankauo1]

Spain’s semi-final dream was nearly derailed in the most dramatic fashion, but once again it was Mikel Merino who came off the bench to rescue La Roja in the dying moments.

 

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead on 30 minutes, converting the rebound after Courtois could only parry Dani Olmo’s low effort but Belgium hit back almost immediately before the break.

 

De Ketelaere got across Pau Cubarsi brilliantly to head home from Castagne’s cross, becoming the first team to breach Spain’s defence all tournament after 694 minutes without conceding.

 

Belgium started without captain Youri Tielemans, who suffered an injury during warmup, and then lost Courtois to a thigh injury replaced by Senne Lammens.