The Spaniards took their time to find the winner against Portugal, but Mikel Merino saw La Roja through with a 91.st minute goal. Belgium, meanwhile, beat the United States 4-1, their best performance of the tournament so far.
Spain could save their best for Belgium
Throughout their run at Euro 2024, Spain have scored 15 goals, beating the likes of Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and then England to win their fourth continental title.
This summer, expectations are higher than ever, but Spain has not been at its best.
Sure, they beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Austria 3-0, but Luis de la Fuente’s men only scored twice in their other three matches.
Solid, if not spectacular, is perhaps the best way to describe Spain, but things could change against the Belgians.
World Cup winners tend to peak as the tournament progresses, such as Argentina in 2022 and Spain themselves in 2010.
After winning their first World Cup knockout match since the 2010 final, the Spaniards will attempt to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for only the third time this century.
Spain has won six straight against the Belgians and will be desperate to make it seven in California on Friday night.
Belgium could cause a lot of problems
Belgium delivered a scintillating performance to beat the United States 4-1, a victory inspired by the perceived injustice of Folarin Balogun’s suspension being lifted by FIFA, apparently under the influence of the US government.
That was all Belgium needed as the Red Devils sent the co-hosts crashing.
This is undoubtedly their best performance of the tournament and should be an asset for Rudi Garcia’s team before this delicate clash against Spain.
Not at their best during the group stages, Belgium have since scored seven goals in two knockout matches. Do as they did against the United States and Spain could be in for a tough night.
Team News
De la Fuente has no new injury concerns and could start with the same starting XI as the one against Portugal.
Garcia will, however, have to replace Amadou Onana in the lineup. The midfielder was replaced after 21 minutes against the United States due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Hans Vanaken should be the man to step into the starting XI.
Prediction
A few weeks ago, the outcome of this match would have been much easier to predict. The comeback victory against Senegal, combined with the defeat against the United States, breathed new life into Belgium.
The Spaniards will be put to the test throughout the tournament and their defense will be breached for the first time in this tournament. However, I expect De la Fuente’s men to win 3-1.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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