Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals and qualified for the semifinals 16 years later. Goals from Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino decided the match after Thibaut Courtois was injured.
The match took place on July 10 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Spain opened the scoring with a goal by Fabián Ruiz in the first half. Belgium equalized through a header by Charles De Ketelaere.
Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, suffered a muscle injury in his left leg in the 70th minute and was replaced by Senne Lammens. In the 88th minute, a shot by Pau Cubarsí was poorly handled by Lammens and Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente observed a minute of silence for the victims of the fire in Almería. Spain will face France in the semifinals on Tuesday in Dallas.
