Spain into World Cup semi-final against France after Merino's late winner beats Belgium

Spain beat Belgium 2-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send the European champions into a World Cup semi-final against France. The goal came in the 88th minute, just two minutes after Merino came off the bench, capitalising on a goalkeeping error from Belgium's Senne Lammens.

How did Spain beat Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final?

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead with a silky finish on 30 minutes, but Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium on 41 minutes in what was the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament. The match looked destined for extra time until Pau Cubarsi's shot from 25 yards forced a spill from Lammens, and Merino poked in the rebound to win it. Lammens had only come on because first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured in the second half.

Merino's winner was his second decisive late goal in successive knockout rounds, having also delivered the winning blow against Portugal in the last 16. "It seems like a coincidence, and if you go in prepared, it can happen again," Merino said after the match. Lamine Yamal was named player of the match after a growing influence on the game, despite an otherwise underwhelming tournament for the teenager.

When do Spain play France in the World Cup semi-final?

Spain face France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described the tie as "a final before the final" given the quality of both sides. Merino said the players had come to the tournament for exactly this kind of occasion: "We came here for this and we're confident in our abilities. It is one of those games you dream of as a kid."

France comfortably beat Morocco 2-0 on Thursday to reach the last four and will have noted how Spain's defence was rattled at times against Belgium. Courtois, who went to console Lammens at the final whistle after the error, said of his teammate: "You only get stronger from this."

What happened in the Norway vs England World Cup quarter-final buildup?

Norway face England in Miami on Saturday in the other quarter-final, with the duel between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane generating enormous anticipation. Haaland has scored seven goals in four appearances at the tournament, firing Norway to the last eight in their first World Cup in 28 years. Kane is one goal behind Haaland and has taken his overall World Cup tally to 14 as England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the striker battle would go a long way to deciding the outcome, while Kane described Haaland as "a beast" before adding he hoped for a quiet day from him. England received a boost when injured trio Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James all returned to training on Friday. Chelsea captain James looks likely to start after missing England's 3-2 last-16 win against Mexico.