Merino’s Quiet Strike Sends Spain Through — Belgium Left Reeling

Spain edged past Belgium into the semi-finals courtesy of a late, composed finish from Mikel Merino that broke a stubborn deadlock. It was the kind of goal that arrives not from chaos but from the accumulation of pressure; Spain probed, recycled and finally exploited a fissure in Belgium’s defence. The match had balance for long spells, but Spain’s greater control of the midfield moments proved decisive.

Tactically Spain were methodical: patient possession, tight central triangles and a deliberate attempt to draw Belgium out of shape before switching play. Belgium defended with grit and threatened on the counter, but they lacked a cutting edge in the box and hesitation cost them at the death. Merino’s late movement and timing — arriving between lines — created the finishing chance that a less clinical side would have missed.

Coaching decisions tilted the fine margins. Spain’s rotations preserved energy and allowed their frontline to press with purpose in the final quarter, while Belgium’s substitutions failed to restore their earlier tempo. Defensively Belgium looked vulnerable to late runs and recycled passes; Spain exploited that with intelligence rather than flamboyance. This was a match decided by game management as much as by technique.

The Guru’s verdict: Spain are through and, for now, the favourites to go further if they keep this blend of control and patience. My recommendation for Spain is simple — play Merino where he can arrive late into the box, tighten the full-back transitions and don’t invite frantic counters. Belgium must reassess their finishing and match rhythm; otherwise, Spain’s measured style will punish them again.