Merino Scores Another Dramatic Late Winner, Sending 'La Roja' to Semifinals

[Anchor]

Turning to World Cup news. The 'Invincible Armada,' Spain, has advanced to the semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1. Spain's 'super sub' Merino has scored a dramatic late goal for the second consecutive match.

Reporter Lee Jeong-Chan has the story.

[Reporter]

The flow of the match, with Spain dominating possession and Belgium countering with tenacious defense, was broken in the 30th minute.

Yamal threaded a pass into space for Porro, who sent the ball into the box. Olmo's right-footed shot was blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Courtois, but Fabian Ruiz was there to finish it off.

Belgium did not back down.

Eleven minutes later, De Ketelaere redirected a cross from the right flank with his head, scoring the first goal against Spain, who had maintained a clean sheet throughout the tournament until that moment.

Belgium, which had been holding on thanks to the saves of goalkeeper Courtois, faced a turning point in the 71st minute.

Courtois, who had been playing through muscle pain, eventually left the pitch in tears, and this proved to be a critical blow.

In the 88th minute, substitute goalkeeper Lammens failed to cleanly handle a long-range shot from Spain's Cubarsi, allowing Merino to score the winning goal.

Merino, who had been substituted in just two minutes earlier, proved his worth as a 'super sub' for the second straight game, following his dramatic late goal in the Round of 16, leading his team to a 2-1 victory and a spot in the semifinals.

[Merino / Spain Forward: I was keeping my concentration until the end, thinking the opposing goalkeeper might make a mistake. I am truly happy.]

On the other hand, Belgium saw the World Cup journey of its so-called 'Golden Generation,' led by Kevin De Bruyne, come to an end at the threshold of the semifinals.

[Courtois / Belgium Goalkeeper: We are criticized for being called a 'Golden Generation' yet never winning a title. We will become stronger. We have fighting spirit, and we will eventually improve. I am proud of our World Cup journey.]

Spain will now face the heavy title favorite, France, as they aim for their first final appearance in 16 years.

(Video Editing: Nam Il, Design: Kim Han-gil)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.