Spain vs. Belgium winners and losers: La Roja survives toughest World Cup challenge yet

La Roja beat Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

And it wasn’t easy. Charles De Ketelaere scored an equalizer for the Red Devils toward the end of the first half.

Belgium’s famed goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, appeared to injure his leg in the second half and was substituted out of the match. Backup Senne Lammens, making only his third international appearance, mishandled a play that led to Mikel Merino tapping in the second, and winning, goal for Spain.

Spain will now face France in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 14.

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Here are the winners and losers of Friday’s match:

Of course the winners of the match go in the winners column. But for Spain, this dub was more than the scoreboard. They have continued to excel after a troubling 0-0 draw against Cape Verde to open the tournament. Cape Verde turned out to be better than anyone could have expected and even gave Lionel Messi and Argentina a scare in the round of 32. But allowing their first goal of the tournament and still keeping composure to secure the victory is something La Roja should be proud of and carry momentum against fearsome France.

Merino showed he can make things happen. This was the Arsenal midfielder’s second game-winner of the tournament. He also ousted Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal with a goal literally in the 90th minute.

This was SoFi Stadium’s last match of the World Cup. While futbol fans have many fond memories of the Rose Bowl, where the 1994 World Cup final was held, there has been positive chatter on social media about the new stadium in the Los Angeles area. SoFi has been marveled at for its beautiful architecture and, with its unique roof, has offered a different experience than the beating down sun at other venues like Arrowhead and Gillette Stadium. From hosting the United States’ energetic opener to Canada getting its first-ever knockout win in a World Cup and this powerhouse match between Belgium and France, SoFi Stadium is officially a football venue.

Again, the loser of the match has to go in the loser column and Belgium’s Golden Generation might be over. After a sluggish start in group play and with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku aging, no one expected the Red Devils to win the World Cup. But, especially after such a dominant victory against the United States, this loss has to sting.

Belgium’s star goalkeeper is a key part of the Golden Generation. He exited the match in the second half with what appeared to be a leg injury. Backup Lammens fumbled the ball to allow the game-winning goal in a play that the veteran probably would not have let happen. At least Courtois doesn’t have to worry about if he can play in the semifinals, but the idea of his World Cup career possibly being over is probably worse.

The teenage superstar hasn’t exactly been shining in the World Cup and this match wasn’t much different. He had two shots on goal, but never really connected in a way that had fans on the edge of their seat. He did have his little brother in the stands again making us all smile! But fans want goals, not just cute siblings.