STARLIGHT ILLUSTRATED WHERE THE GLOBAL CHAMPIONS & STARS SHINE: SMI GLOBAL SPORTS

 

LOS ANGELES, CA(SMI-GLOBAL-SPORTS-JUNE 11-JULY 19, 2026)-

Global-ranked #2, E Spain (2010 World Cup Champions/Europe) defeated Global #8, I Belgium (Europe) 2-1, with a late goal by Mikel Merino to help "La Roja" advance into the semifinals rounds to face France who beat Morocco 2-0, next Tuesday July 14, at Dallas Stadium in Texas.

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Spain outperformed Belgium executing more shots to goal in the first half with midfielder Fabian Ruiz opening the score at 30' mark for 1-0, Spain.

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The goal play was originated through the right side corner, Pedro Porro (Spain) passed it short to Lamine Yamal(Spain) back to Porro who crossed it to Olmo inside the box and shot a lower right footed with goalkeeper T. Courtois parrying the ball away to Fabian Ruiz who scored with a hard right footed in back of the net to put "La Roja" in front 1-0, over Belgium.

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Spain kept the pressure with striker Lamine Yamal executing two shots to goal within 5' apart. The first from a free-kick, Yamal shot a curled a left footed to goal deflecting off goalkeeper Courtois's glove back onto the pitch, and 5' later through the rightside, Yamal evaded two defenders inside the box and shot a left footed hitting the right-side goalpost at 39' mark.

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With 5' left into the first half, Belgium's Timothy Castagne through the rightside- corner sent a center pass inside the 18', connecting with Charles De Ketelaere who score his 3rd goal in the World Cup and tie the game 1-1, at the half.

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After both teams traded- counter attacks most of the second half, La Roja in another counter-attack defender Pau Cubarsi through the middle shot a canon toward goal deflecting off goalkeeper Senne Lammens' body to Mikel Merino, who was alert and score at 88' with a left footed in back of the net to play hero once gain after scoring the winning goal against Portugal and seal the win of 2-1, for Spain over Belgium.

 

#fifaworldcup2026 #laroja

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#fifaworldcup2026 #fwc26 #fwc2026

#fifaseries2026 #fifaworldcupchampions

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