Spain’s defensive performance was incredible fifa world cup The curtain finally came down, but it wasn’t enough to stop them from reaching the semifinals. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s record of 650 consecutive shutout minutes was broken by Belgium in Friday’s quarter-final before Spain won 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.Charles de Cotrare scored in the 41st minute as Belgium became the first team to face Spain at this World Cup, ending Simon’s impressive run of clean sheets. Despite the setback, Spain retains its title hopes and will face favorites France in Tuesday’s semi-finals.
Simon sets new World Cup record
Before Belgium’s goal, Simon had not conceded a goal for 650 consecutive minutes in the World Cup, setting a new World Cup record. His streak of six consecutive clean sheets also surpassed the record of 517 minutes set by Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga at the 1990 World Cup.This momentum started after Spain played Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup in 2022 and has continued into this year’s tournament, including a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde and four consecutive wins without conceding a goal.
Merino wool delivered again
Spain looked set to go into extra time after Belgium canceled out Fabian Ruiz’s opener. Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Dirk Trare equalized 11 minutes later with a header from Timothy Castagne’s cross.In the 88th minute, Merino, who had just come on as a substitute, reacted fastest. Belgian goalkeeper Sene Lamence blocked Paulo Kubasi’s powerful shot, and the game was finally won. The Arsenal midfielder scored with his second touch of the game to send Spain into the last four.In the last round of competition, Merino was also the hero of the Spanish team, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Portugal in stoppage time.
Belgium experiences belated heartbreak
Belgium were forced to make a substitution in the 71st minute after veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came off with an apparent thigh injury. Substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him but was unable to prevent Merino’s late winner.Belgium fought hard to equalize in the final minutes but Aymeric Laporte cleared away their best chance and Spain held on for victory.The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 games, which dates back to March 2023.
