Day 31: Spain strike late, France awaits

Spain did it late again. Fabian Ruiz put La Roja in front, Charles De Ketelaere levelled before halftime, and Mikel Merino turned an 88th-minute rebound into a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. 1

The swing point was brutal for Belgium: Thibaut Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute, Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's drive, and Merino punished the loose ball minutes after coming on. 2

The stat line now has two big Spain markers: a 36-match unbeaten run, and Unai Simon's 650-minute World Cup shutout streak ending on De Ketelaere's header. FIFA named Lamine Yamal player of the match. 1

The X pulse was pure knockout chaos: FIFA posted Spain's semi-final qualification, OptaJoe logged Merino as the first player to score winning goals in two different World Cup knockout matches as a substitute, ESPN FC framed Belgium's veteran farewell, and Sky Sports Football called out Merino's late-clutch pattern. 3 4 5 6

Next up: Spain vs France, with the winner one match from the trophy. 2