Press comments on Spain’s entry into the semi-finals: “Spain is once again lucky that Saint Merino shows up”

After Spain reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, the international media focused on winning goalscorer Mikel Merino and Belgium’s unfortunate substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens. In Spain the press celebrates the late victory as the next step towards a chance for the title.

The Marca sees goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ injury-related loss as the turning point of the game: “Courtois’ fall is the key to Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup.” AS On the other hand, he pays tribute to the goalscorer: “Two minutes of Merino is a lot.” Also Mundo Sports writes: “Spain is once again lucky that Saint Merino shows up to get to the semi-finals.” El Pais headline: »Merino’s next dance carries Spain after the victory against Belgium in the semi-finals against France.«

In Belgium, however, the disappointment over the unfortunate elimination predominates. De Standard judges that the national team was eliminated after a “not illogical, but definitely avoidable 2-1 defeat against Spain”.

»Once again it was Mikel Merino’s great moment«

The game will be similar in France evaluated. L’Equipe writes in reference to the nicknames of the national teams of France and Spain, which will compete against each other in the semi-finals: “Les Bleus awaits La Roja.” The absence of Courtois due to injury was fatal for the Belgians, “who, after a strong performance, were let down by a mistake by their second goalkeeper.” Le Parisien sees a “dominating La Roja” that had to wait until the 88th minute before “a mistake by Senne Lammens made the difference.” Le Figaro emphasizes that Spain only defeated Belgium “at the last minute”. “After the Spanish defense had lost its clean slate, it found it more difficult to fend off the Belgian counterattacks after the break.”

The Anglo-American media also focused on the late winning goal and the goalkeeping error. The New York Times writes: “Spain takes advantage of a mistake to knock Belgium out of the tournament, thereby causing a blockbuster against France.” The Telegraph judges: “Lammens’ mistake seals Belgium’s elimination, while Merino shoots Spain into the World Cup semi-finals.” The Guardian reminds us that Merino was there late at the 2024 European Championships and in the World Cup round of 16: “Once again it was Mikel Merino’s great moment,” writes the newspaper.

Formulated in Italy Gazzetta dello Sport particularly drastic: “Courtois is injured, his replacement comes into play and causes a disaster.” The Austrian crown draws more attention to Spain’s prospects in the tournament and writes: “European champion Spain can continue to dream of a second World Cup title.”

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