Spain are through to the World Cup semifinals after Mikel Merino once again came off the bench to score a late winner, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday and setting up a blockbuster clash with France next Tuesday at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Merino struck in the 88th minute to hand La Roja another dramatic knockout victory after Belgium had looked set to force the contest into extra time. His decisive goal kept Spain's title hopes alive and continued his growing reputation as the team's match-winner in crucial moments.
Spain made the brighter start and controlled possession for long spells of the first half. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz broke the deadlock to give Luis de la Fuente's side a deserved lead.
Belgium responded strongly before the break and found an equaliser in the 41st minute. Makeshift striker Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head past Unai Simon at the near post, scoring the first goal the Spanish goalkeeper has conceded in the tournament.
The second half was closely contested, with Belgium showing determination and creating the kind of performance that suggested the match was heading for extra time. Both sides searched for a breakthrough, but neither could find a way through until the closing minutes.
With time running out, Merino once again proved to be Spain's hero. The Arsenal attacker, introduced from the bench, struck in the 88th minute to hand Spain victory, repeating the impact he made in the Round of 16 against Portugal in Dallas.
In that match, his stoppage-time winner ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup campaign.
The victory sends Spain into a mouth-watering semifinal against France, reviving memories of their meeting at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Spain took the lead through David Villa before Frank Ribery equalised, with Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane completing France's 3-1 comeback victory in the Round of 16.
For Belgium, the defeat could mark the end of an era. Veteran stars Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku may have played their final World Cup matches as the country's golden generation edges closer to the end of its journey on the global stage.
Spain, meanwhile, continue to build around a youthful squad that is showing growing confidence with every match. Their latest victory has moved them one step closer to the final and strengthened belief that this emerging side is ready to challenge the world's best.