World Cup 2022: Spain edge Belgium, set up semi-final showdown with France
Spain booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals on Friday with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, sealed by a late winner from Mikel Merino. La Roja will now face France on Tuesday for a place
Spain booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals on Friday with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, sealed by a late winner from Mikel Merino. L
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
The victory over Belgium underscores Spain’s resurgence as a tactical powerhouse, proving their "tiki-taka" roots have evolved into a more dynamic and resilient system. This win carries symbolic weight as La Roja bids to reclaim its status among football’s elite, having last reached a semifinal in 2010. For a nation still grappling with the legacy of its golden generation, this run could redefine its footballing identity for the next decade.
Background Context
Spain’s dominance in the early 2010s, marked by three consecutive major tournament victories, masked deeper structural flaws that led to a prolonged identity crisis. The current squad, forged under Luis de la Fuente, has blended youthful exuberance with tactical sophistication, defying expectations after a shaky Euro 2020 campaign. Belgium, once hailed as the next great generation, now faces existential questions about its ability to convert talent into silverware.
What Happens Next
The semi-final against France pits two of the tournament’s most stylistically distinct teams against each other, with the potential to expose vulnerabilities in either approach. Spain’s midfield control will be tested against France’s physicality, while Les Bleus’ clinical finishing could exploit any defensive lapses. A loss would likely reignite debates about Spain’s mental fragility in high-stakes moments, whereas a win would cement their status as favorites.
Bigger Picture
This clash reflects a broader shift in football, where possession-based teams are increasingly supplementing their style with directness and physicality—a trend accelerated by the Premier League’s influence. Spain’s journey also highlights the delicate balance between tradition and evolution, a dilemma faced by many historic footballing nations. As the tournament progresses, the outcome may signal whether football’s future belongs to the pragmatic or the visionary.
