Merino takes advantage of Lammens error to deliver late victory
By OnzeActu · · 7 min read
In the World Cup quarter-final between Belgium and Spain, Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after an error by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, replacing Courtois. This event could symbolize the farewell to the international scene for several pillars of the Belgian generation.
According to Sports.
Context
Mikel Merino, who plays for Arsenal, was decisive in this match by scoring the decisive goal. His intervention in the 88th minute not only sealed the victory for Spain, but also highlighted their potential to shine on the international stage. This match could strengthen his position in the Spanish national team as they aim for a successful run in the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
Belgium's defeat against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup could mark the end of an era for the Red Devils. With key players like Courtois, Lukaku, De Bruyne and Witsel, who have been mainstays since 2014, this meeting raises questions about the future of the national team. The match also highlighted the immense pressure on young players like Lammens, who faced high expectations in a decisive moment.
Key points
- Merino takes advantage of Lammens' error to deliver the late victory.
- During the World Cup quarter-final between Belgium and Spain, Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute after a mistake by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, replacing Courtois.
- Thibaut Courtois remains central to Belgium's plans.
The quarter-finals of the World Cup offered a tragic scenario for Belgium, beaten 2-1 by an opportunistic Spain. This meeting could well mark the end of an era for the Red Devils, with the probable last international match for the four veteran members of the “golden generation”: Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel, all present since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Deprived of its starting goalkeeper Courtois, injured and replaced at the break, Belgium saw its hopes collapse at the very end of the match. Senne Lammens, a young goalkeeper who came on, had a difficult time in the final minutes. In the 88th minute, he failed to catch a shot, letting the ball slip through the feet of Mikel Merino, midfielder of the Spanish team playing at Arsenal, who transformed the opportunity into the decisive goal.
The expertise of the former players underlines the difficulty of the situation for Lammens. Stephen Warnock, former Liverpool defender, commented on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Lammens doesn't come out any better from this action. He didn't make any mistakes in his games with Manchester United the previous season, but the pressure is different at this level. For his part, Micah Richards, former Manchester City full-back, added: “It's always difficult for a player to enter at this stage of a match, especially a goalkeeper. Making a mistake in these conditions is cruel, I sympathize with him. »
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This late goal and the resulting defeat sound like a page turning for the Red Devils. After bringing Belgian football to the highest level for a decade, this emblematic generation could soon bow out on the international scene, giving way to a new era.
As for Spain, they continue their progress in the World Cup, with success acquired through pain but showing remarkable composure in crucial moments.
This intense confrontation is part of the Mundial 2026, where every detail counts to advance to the rest of the competition and fuel dreams of national glory. Belgium, despite this disillusionment, can pride itself on having left its mark on its era, while Spain seeks to capitalize on this victory full of lessons.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Belgium vs Spain match?
Belgium lost to Spain with a score of 2-1.
What impact does this defeat have on the 2026 World Cup rankings?
This defeat could mark the end of an era for Belgium, especially for its veteran players.
Who scored the decisive goal for Spain?
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal for Spain.
When is Belgium's next match?
Belgium's next match is not mentioned in the article.
Why was Senne Lammens criticized after the match?
Senne Lammens was criticized for making a mistake that led to Spain's decisive goal.
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