LOS ANGELES – Spain booked their place in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium on Friday night, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner following a costly goalkeeping error.

The European champions will now face tournament favourites France in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash between two of football’s powerhouses.

But Spain were made to work hard for their victory on a sweltering day in Los Angeles, with Belgium pushing them all the way before heartbreak struck in the 88th minute.

Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead on the half-hour mark with a composed finish, but Belgium fought back when Charles De Ketelaere equalised on 41 minutes – the first goal Spain had conceded in the entire tournament.

As the tense quarter-final looked destined for extra time, disaster struck for Belgium. Pau Cubarsi unleashed a shot from 25 yards out that substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold, and Merino was perfectly placed to poke home the rebound.

It was a crushing blow for the Manchester United keeper, who had only come on after first-choice Thibaut Courtois injured himself in the second half.

Merino, who had also scored the winner against Portugal in the last 16, turned to celebrate with the Spanish supporters among the 70 492 crowd.

“It seems like a coincidence, and if you go in prepared, it can happen again. I’m thrilled. I doubt it will happen again, we’ll see,” Merino said of his second consecutive winning goal, which came just two minutes after entering the pitch.

The Spanish midfielder said his team were relishing the prospect of facing France in the semi-final.

“We came here for this and we’re confident in our abilities. It is one of those games you dream of as a kid,” he added.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described Tuesday’s semi-final as “a final before the final” given the quality of both teams.

Courtois, who had to watch the final moments from the sideline, immediately went to console Lammens at the final whistle.

“I gave him a big hug. He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this,” Courtois said.

Spain had needed that slice of fortune after being frustrated by the Belgian defence for long periods. Lamine Yamal gradually grew into the game, twisting and turning down the Belgian right side, and was named player of the match for his efforts after an underwhelming tournament so far.

However, France – who comfortably beat Morocco 2-0 on Thursday – will have noted how unsettled the Spanish defence looked at times.

Haaland versus Kane takes centre stage

On Saturday, the remaining two quarter-finals take place, with Norway facing England in Miami in what their coaches have described as a battle between two world-class strikers.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding the outcome.

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time since returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament, having taken his overall World Cup tally to 14 as he helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.

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“I don’t think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us,” Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference.

Kane described Haaland as “a beast” of a player but said they were different strikers.

“I think we’re completely different players. I know we’re both strikers, but we’re in almost two different positions,” Kane said on Friday.

“Obviously, I’m hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance is very good. He’s a fantastic player.”

England’s bid to return to the semi-finals after a last-eight exit four years ago received a boost when injured trio Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all returned to training on Friday.

Chelsea captain James looks likely to return to the starting lineup against Norway having sat out the 3-2 win against Mexico in the last 16.

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