Substitute mikel merino

FIFA World Cup: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the second consecutive match as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 here on Friday to book its first FIFA World Cup semifinal appearance since 2010, setting up a last-four clash against France in Dallas next Tuesday.

Merino had also come off the bench to score the winner in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16, while the Red Devils cruised past co-host the United States 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals, reported Xinhua.

Spain opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Fabian Ruiz fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had parried Dani Olmo's first-time effort from Pedro Porro's low cross following a run by Lamine Yamal.