Spain’s attacking edge
Spain were in control from the outset, finishing with 16 shots to Belgium’s five and seven on target against just two. That dominance was built on the ball, with Spain enjoying 68 percent possession and completing 582 of their 644 passes, a return that let Fabian Ruiz and Rodri dictate the tempo throughout.
Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal combined in the buildup to the opener, before Dani Olmo’s parried shot fell for Ruiz to fire home. The creative numbers backed up Spain’s threat, 12 key passes compared to Belgium’s two, and double the shots from inside the box at 10 to four.
Even so, it took a deflected slice of luck, Pau Cubarsi’s long range effort spilled by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, for Mikel Merino to net the eventual winner.
REPORT: Spain survive Belgium scare to book France semi-final
Belgium’s resistance
Belgium struggled to trouble Spain directly, managing just two shots on target all game, one of which was Charles De Ketelaere’s headed leveller just before the break.
Where Belgium made their mark was in the physical exchanges, winning nine interceptions to Spain’s four, evidence of a side working hard to disrupt their opposition’s buildup, even though Spain edged the tackle count themselves, 11 to nine.
Spain’s clean sheet run ended here too, the first goal they had conceded all tournament, a reminder that their control did not translate into total defensive security, even as they found a way through in the end.
We are set for a heavyweight semi-final as France meet Spain in the final four on Tuesday, 14 July, in Dallas, Texas.
Photo: Reuters/Jessie Alcheh
