World Cup – Fabian Ruiz scores as Spain defeats Belgium 2-1

The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup continued with a key match, with Spain defeating Belgium 2-1 at the SoFi Stadium after goals from Fabian Ruiz and Merino.

Nine minutes into the match, Spain launched an attack. Fabian Ruiz chipped the ball into the penalty area, where Rodri unleashed a powerful shot, but it was blocked by an opposing player. In the 12th minute, Pau Cubalsi played a long pass, and Baena received the ball and shot, but his effort was also blocked.

In the 15th minute, Belgium launched a counter-attack. De Cerrare received a pass from Doku and shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball was cleared. In the 21st minute, Oyarzabal passed the ball to Yamal, who followed up with a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal.

In the 30th minute, Pedro Polo passed the ball across the penalty area, and Olmo's shot was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Courtois. Fabian Ruiz then followed up and scored, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. In the 35th minute, Spain had a free kick opportunity, and Yamal's shot was blocked by Courtois.

In the 40th minute, Rodri passed the ball to Yamal, who followed up with a low shot from the penalty area, but it went wide of the post. In the 41st minute, Castagne received a through ball from De Bruyne and crossed the ball again, which De Ceftrare headed into the goal, helping Belgium equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 45th minute, Pedro Porro received a pass from Baena and took a long-range shot from near the penalty area, but the ball went over the goal. In first-half stoppage time, Rodri passed the ball to Fabian Ruiz, whose shot was blocked.

In the 48th minute of the second half, Pau Kubalsi played a through ball to Yamal, who then shot from inside the penalty area, but the shot was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Courtois. In the 53rd minute, Spain took a corner kick, and Olmo volleyed the ball, but it went over the post.

In the 55th minute, Spain substituted Ferran Torres and Pedri for Baena and Fabian Ruiz. In the 61st minute, Owazabal passed the ball to Yamal, who unleashed a long-range shot, but it was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Courtois.

In the 71st minute, Belgian goalkeeper Courtois suffered an injury and was subsequently replaced by Lamenz. In the 74th minute, Olmo orchestrated an attack, and Yamal's shot was blocked.

In the 88th minute, Pedri passed the ball to Pau Cubalci, whose shot was blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Lamenz. Merino then followed up and scored, giving Spain a 2-1 lead. In stoppage time of the second half, Cucurella received a pass from Merino outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball was caught by Lamenz.

Ultimately, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to advance to the semifinals.

Image source: Internet