Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals thanks to two late goals from substitute Mikel Merino, who first sank Portugal and then stunned Belgium with an 88th-minute strike.
Key facts
- Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner as Spain beat Portugal to reach the quarter-finals.
- The result ended Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of World Cup glory, according to the BBC.
- Merino struck again in the 88th minute to beat Belgium in the quarter-finals.
- Spain will face France in the World Cup semi-final.
- Merino came off the bench as a substitute in both matches.
Mikel Merino has become Spain’s unlikely hero at the World Cup, scoring late winners in successive knockout matches to carry his side into the semi-finals, according to the BBC.
In the first of the two dramatic wins, Merino came off the bench as a super-sub and scored a stoppage-time winner against Portugal to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
The BBC reported that the result ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of World Cup glory, with Portugal knocked out by Spain’s late strike.
Merino then repeated the feat in the quarter-final against Belgium. Introduced again as a substitute, he scored in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and secure Spain’s place in the last four.
The two late goals have set up a World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, according to the BBC.
In both matches Merino’s impact came from the bench, underlining his role as a decisive substitute during Spain’s run through the knockout stages.
Why it matters
Spain's progress keeps one of world football's traditional powers on course for a World Cup title, while ending Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament closes a chapter for one of the sport's biggest names. A semi-final against France sets up a heavyweight clash between two leading European sides.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored the winning goals for Spain?
Mikel Merino scored the winners in both matches, netting a stoppage-time goal against Portugal and an 88th-minute goal against Belgium, according to the BBC.
Who will Spain play in the semi-final?
Spain will face France in the World Cup semi-final, according to the BBC.
What did the results mean for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Spain's late winner against Portugal ended Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of World Cup glory, the BBC reported.