Washington: Spain will now face tournament favourites France in the semifinals on Tuesday in Dallas, after another decisive late contribution from Merino, who once again proved to be the match-winner for his side.

The Arsenal forward was introduced in the 86th minute and needed just two touches to make the difference. In the 88th minute, he charged into the box and pounced on a rebound after Belgium’s backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a powerful shot from Pau Cubarsi from outside the area.

It was Merino’s second straight match-winning impact for Spain, having also scored as a substitute in injury time to seal a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the last-16.

Belgium were forced into a major change in the 71st minute when longtime goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the field with an apparent thigh injury, bringing Manchester United keeper Lammens into the contest.

Spain had taken the lead in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, who scored after Courtois parried Dani Olmo’s effort following Pedro Porro’s cut-back from the right side of the area.

Belgium responded before halftime, with Charles De Ketelaere heading in from Timothy Castagne’s cross in the 41st minute. The goal was the first Spain had conceded in the entire World Cup and ended their record streak of 649 minutes without allowing a goal in the tournament.

Belgium pushed hard for a late equaliser after Merino’s strike, but Spain held firm. Their best chance was cleared when Aymeric Laporte volleyed the ball out of danger inside the box.

With the victory, Spain remain on course for World Cup glory, setting up a heavyweight semifinal clash against France.