Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, setting up a blockbuster last-four showdown against France.
More than 70,000 fans packed the stadium to witness the second quarter-final of the tournament, where Spain drew first blood in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz.
Belgium responded just 11 minutes later as Charles De Ketelaere found the back of the net, sending the teams into the halftime break level at 1-1.
Both sides continued to play attacking football after the restart in search of a decisive goal. Spain introduced Mikel Merino as a substitute in the 85th minute, and the move paid off almost immediately.
Just three minutes after coming on, Merino fired home the winner in the 88th minute to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory for Spain and send La Roja into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
This marks the third time Spain have reached the World Cup semi-finals, having previously achieved the feat in 1950 and 2010.
Spain will now face France in the first semi-final of the tournament, scheduled to be played at Dallas Stadium on July 14.
