Spain's route to the final sees them take on Belgium at the SoFi Stadium on Friday night, with the Belgium side showing in recent rounds that they won't be an easy task to overcome for the potential World Champions in Spain.
La Roja arguably had the most difficult tie in the round of 16 of any side when they faced their dearest rivals, Portugal. Spain had to be patient for the victory, and thanks to a late moment of brilliance from Arsenal's Mikel Merino, they clinched it, sending Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on their way home. Spain topped their group and have now made it to their eighth World Cup quarter-final, having been eliminated at this stage in their first four before eventually claiming the trophy back in 2010.
The defensive rigidness of Spain has been key, with the side yet to concede a goal at the finals, meaning they have also gone 10 hours of football without conceding. In the attacking positions, Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad has proven to be the threat ahead of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Oyarzabal who scored Spain's winning goal against England in the Euro 2024 final, has scored four goals thus far in this tournament with his four goals making up to 50% of Spain's overall tally in this tournament.
Belgium made it through the groups on Matchday three with their convincing win against New Zealand to set up a round of 32 clash with Senegal. The Red Devils were two goals down in the 85th minute, and rescued an improbable situation by taking the game to extra-time and a Youri Tielemans penalty in the final minute of the 120, securing Rudi Garcia and his side a tie against the USA.
The USA were the much-favoured side, especially according to home media narrative and home advantage, but Belgium saved their best performance for the round of 16. A thumping 4-1 win against the home nation has now given Belgium a chance to overcome Spain.
Spain, though, has to be considered the favourites, with the midfield of Rodri and Pedri providing a fine balance for a heavy-based possession side in Spain.
Ultimately, Spain's defensive prowess in this tournament should be enough to cover Belgium's revitalised attacking options.
Spain 2-0 Belgium
