Spain ready for Belgium quarter-final as Yamal gets Olmo's backing

Spain face Belgium Friday night, quarter-final spot on the line

Your team plays Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday, July 10, at 21:00 CEST (5). Spain reached this stage after Mikel Merino's added-time winner knocked out Portugal in the Round of 16. The winner faces either Morocco or the surprise package in the semi-finals.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is up for it. "It's a special match. I've played against them in a few friendlies, but facing them for the first time in an official match is going to be great," he said (3). Courtois also fired back at critics: "La gente se ha equivocado con nosotros", people have been wrong about us (10).

Olmo backs Yamal to decide it

Dani Olmo is convinced Lamine Yamal will make the difference. The Barcelona youngster has already shown he can deliver in the biggest moments, Olmo said ahead of the quarter-final (1). Yamal will be central to how Spain approach the Belgian defence.

Laporte hits 50 caps, de la Fuente leads the applause

Aymeric Laporte reached 50 appearances for Spain. National team coach Luis de la Fuente congratulated him in front of the entire squad (2). The milestone lands perfectly, with the biggest game of the tournament three days away.

Spain U19 storm into Euros final, clean sheet intact

Spain U19 beat Croatia 3–0 to reach the European Championship final (7). Espart, Salinas, and Diallo got the goals. Your youngsters have not conceded a single goal all tournament and now face Germany U19 in the final (6) (9).

Muñoz: Premier League is the right fit

Liverpool winger Victor Muñoz has no doubts about his move to England. "I think the Premier League is the right place for me with my abilities and style of play," he said (8). The Spaniard has yet to feature at this World Cup but sees his club future at Anfield under Andoni Iraola (8).

Fan-reaktioner

La Roja supporters are feeling confident ahead of Friday. The Carvajal pre-match huddle photo has been doing the rounds, with fans loving the energy he brings even when not on the pitch. Meanwhile, La Liga clubs are reportedly circling Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, with his agent flying to Spain this week, though all eyes right now stay fixed on July 10. See what fans are saying