FULL TIME: Spain 2-1 Belgium
**
GOAL: 88′ Mikel Merino
**23:41
GOAL: 41′ De Ketelaere
**23:30
GOAL: 30′ Fabian Ruiz
**23:00
First half begins
**22:00
Spain enters the quarter-finals carrying the tournament’s most formidable defensive record. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has engineered an impenetrable backline that has yet to concede a single goal throughout the entire competition. Relying on their signature high-volume passing and a midfield chokehold anchored by captain Rodri, La Roja will look to dominate possession, pin Belgium deep into their own half, and dictate the tempo from the opening whistle, News.Az reports.
In contrast, Belgium arrives full of confidence after dismantling the United States in the previous round. The Red Devils, who have built a spectacular 18-match unbeaten streak, boast a dangerous, counter-attacking frontline capable of exploiting the slightest defensive overcommitments. With elite playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku providing ammunition for an in-form Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s tactical blueprint will focus on absorbing Spain’s relentless pressure before launching lethal, lightning-fast transitions.
***
The encounter adds another chapter to the rich history between the two nations, serving as a direct World Cup knockout rematch of their iconic 1986 battle. As both teams finalize their star-studded lineups, football fans are bracing for a cagey, tactical chess match where a single brilliant moment could decide who moves one step closer to global glory.
