SPAIN 2-1 BELGIUM: A late, late winner from Arsenal's Mikel Merino condemned Belgium to an exit from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage

Just when they needed it most, all of Belgium's luck deserted them as they suffered a cruel World Cup exit at the hands of Spain.

Mikel Merino struck the fatal blow in the 88th minute after Senne Lammens, a second half substitute for the injured Thibaut Courtois, could not hold a strike from range. But plenty of drama preceded the Arsenal midfielder's pointblank finish, much of it at Belgium's expense.

Viewed by many as underdogs even though the European champions had yet to hit top gear at these World Cup finals, Belgium were rocked before a ball was even kicked as their influential captain, Youri Tielemans, was a late withdrawal from the team.

And although Belgium were more adventurous than many expected them to be even without their skipper, in truth, Spain were in control long before Fabian Ruiz was on the spot to finish from close-range to break the deadlock in the 30th minute.

Dani Olmo met a low cross from Pedro Porro, only to be thwarted by the hands of Courtois; however, the veteran keeper could only divert the ball onto the boot of the grateful Ruiz, who did the rest.

It seemed as though Ruiz's goal would spur Spain to kick things up a notch and the irrepressible Lamine Yamal went close to doubling their lead, drilling into the side netting after some of his patented dazzling footwork. But just when it felt like Spain were really beginning to turn the screw, they were breached for the first time at this World Cup.

It was Charles De Ketelaere who got across his man to head the ball past Unai Simon, the keeper who had gone 649 minutes without conceding across Spain's five previous games, to buoy Belgium before the break.

Back on level terms, Rudi Garcia's side continued to attack at the start of the second half. Confidence growing, Maxim De Cuyper was left on his knees in the penalty area with his hands on his head after also sending a strike into the side netting. For a brief moment, it looked as though Simon had been breached again as Spain's now mortal defence scrambled.

Yamal responded instantly, unleashing a shot at the unrelenting Courtois as both sides traded blows in an entertaining second period.

But then Belgium were stung by Lady Luck again. The unfortunate Courtois' game came to a premature end minutes after he sat down to receive medical treatment. He came off shortly after the game restarted and was absolutely devastated.

Lammens, so impressive for Manchester United this season, came on in his place. But he could not hold the strike which set the stage for Merino, so often uber-effective in the penalty box, to pounce at the death.

It was a cruel moment for a young player who was acquitted himself admirably in a pressurised position in an intense environment at one of the world's biggest clubs. Merino showed him no mercy.

It's now two late winners in as many matches from Merino, who is proving to be a useful attacking weapon just as he is for Arsenal.

And he could yet be destined to play a far larger role in Spain's bid to follow up their Euro 2024 triumph with another World Cup.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.