Spain’s incredible defensive run at the FIFA World Cup finally came to an end, but it was not enough to stop them from reaching the semifinals. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s record 650-minute shutout streak was snapped by Belgium in the quarterfinal on Friday before Spain secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.Belgium became the first team to score against Spain in this World Cup when Charles De Ketelaere found the net in the 41st minute, ending Simón’s remarkable run without conceding a goal. Despite that setback, Spain kept their title hopes alive and will now face tournament favourites France in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Simón sets new World Cup record

Before Belgium’s goal, Simón had gone 650 minutes without conceding in the World Cup, setting a new tournament record. His streak included six straight clean sheets and went past the previous record of 517 minutes set by Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga at the 1990 World Cup.The run began after Spain’s round-of-16 match against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and continued through this year’s tournament, which included a goalless draw against Cape Verde and four straight wins without conceding.

Merino delivers again

Spain looked set for extra time after Belgium cancelled out Fabián Ruiz’s opener. Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but De Ketelaere equalised 11 minutes later with a header from Timothy Castagne’s cross.The match was decided in the 88th minute when Merino, who had only just come on as a substitute, reacted quickest after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s powerful shot. The Arsenal midfielder scored with his second touch of the game to send Spain into the last four.Merino had also been Spain’s hero in the previous round, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner in the 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Belgium suffer late heartbreak

Belgium were forced to make a goalkeeping change in the 71st minute after experienced keeper Thibaut Courtois went off with an apparent thigh injury. Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced him but could not keep out Merino’s late winner.Belgium pushed hard for another equaliser in the closing minutes, but Aymeric Laporte cleared their best chance as Spain held on for victory.The win stretched Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, a streak that dates back to March 2023.