Spain’s incredible defensive run at the FIFA World Cup it finally came to an end, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from reaching the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s record of 650 minutes was broken by Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday before Spain secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.Belgium became the first team to score against Spain at this World Cup when Charles De Ketelaere found the net in the 41st minute, ending Simón’s amazing run without conceding a goal. Despite this setback, Spain have kept their title hopes alive and will now face tournament favorites France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Simón sets a new World Cup record
Before Belgium’s goal, Simón had gone 650 minutes without conceding in the World Cup, setting a new tournament record. His streak included six straight clean sheets and passed the previous record of 517 minutes set by Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga at the 1990 World Cup.The run began after Spain’s 16 match against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and continued through this year’s tournament, which included a goalless draw against Cape Verde and four straight wins without conceding.
Merino delivers again
Spain looked set for extra time after Belgium canceled out Fabián Ruiz’s opener. Ruiz had given 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 was on as a substitute, reacted the fastest after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens saved Pau Cubarsí’s powerful shot. The Arsenal midfielder scored with his second touch of the game to send Spain into the last four.Merino had also been Spain’s hero in the previous round, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner in the 1-0 win over Portugal.
Belgium suffers from a late heart
Belgium were forced to make a goalkeeping change in the 71st minute after experienced keeper Thibaut Courtois went off with an apparent thigh injury. Substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him but could not keep out Merino’s late winner.Belgium pushed hard for another equalizer in the closing minutes, but Aymeric Laporte blew away his best chance as Spain held on for victory.The win extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, a streak that dates back to March 2023.