Merino sends Spain past Belgium into World Cup semi-final

Merino does it again, Spain are through to the semi-final

Spain 2–1 Belgium. Mikel Merino, again. Your team is in the World Cup semi-final after another late winner from the man who already broke Portuguese hearts in the last round (1) (5).

Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring, but Charles De Ketelaere made it 1–1. Then came the moment that decided it, Senne Lammens spilled a shot and the ball crept over the line. Belgian media did not sugarcoat it: "Without that blunder by Senne Lammens, this match might still be being played" (1).

Handball claim waved away, correctly

Belgium wanted a penalty when a ball struck Rodri's arm from close range. Former referees' chief Keith Hackett backed Michael Oliver's call: "The action was not deliberate; the ball headed directly onto his arm from a colleague" (2). No penalty, no controversy.

France await on Tuesday in Dallas

Luis de la Fuente's side now face France for a place in the final. The coach kept it blunt: "They'll be just as worried as we are" (5) (6). Argentina boss Scaloni called France and Spain the two favourites left in the tournament (4).

Arsenal circling Oyarzabal

Arsenal have registered interest in Mikel Oyarzabal after his performances at this World Cup (3). No formal offer yet, but the links are there.

Fan reactions

Spain's unbeaten run now stands at 36 matches, one behind Italy's all-time record of 37. Fans are noting the symmetry too, exactly 16 years ago Iniesta scored the goal that won Spain's first World Cup. The mood ahead of France is cautious but buzzing: several supporters feel this France side has not yet hit top gear, but Spain are the only team to have knocked them out in consecutive major tournaments. Full discussion here.