Spain’s impressive FIFA World Cup campaign faces another stern examination as they take on Belgium in a quarter-final clash that marks the nations’ first competitive meeting in almost 17 years.

Match Preview

Spain arrive full of confidence after exacting revenge on Portugal for their UEFA Nations League final defeat, with Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time winner securing a place in the last eight. The goal was the tournament’s record-breaking tenth last-minute winner and sent La Roja into their first World Cup quarter-final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have developed into one of the competition’s standout teams, combining their trademark possession-based football with exceptional defensive solidity. Their victory over Portugal saw Spain become the first nation in World Cup history to register six consecutive clean sheets, underlining the remarkable balance they have found under their current manager.

De la Fuente is also on the verge of another notable achievement, with victory here making him only the third coach of a European nation to win each of his opening seven knockout matches at a major international tournament.

Belgium, however, are unlikely to be overawed. The Red Devils produced one of the most emphatic performances of the last-16 stage by defeating co-hosts USA 4-1, becoming the first side at this year’s tournament to surpass the 100-shot mark.

Rudi Garcia’s men have now stretched their unbeaten run to 18 matches, recording 12 victories and six draws while averaging more than three goals per game during that spell. Having reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their memorable run to third place in 2018, Belgium will be eager to recreate that success after famously eliminating Brazil at the same stage eight years ago.

Head-to-Head

Although both nations have regularly featured among Europe’s elite, meetings between them have been surprisingly rare. Their only encounter since the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign came in a 2016 friendly, which Spain won 2-0. La Roja have also won each of the last five meetings between the sides, a streak dating back to 2004.

Key Statistics

Spain have conceded very little throughout their recent run, with only three of their last 15 matches seeing both teams score. They have also established themselves quickly in matches, leading at half-time in 11 of their previous 12 victories inside 90 minutes.

Belgium’s attacking approach has produced entertaining contests, with ten of their last 16 matches featuring over 4.5 goals. Meanwhile, five of their last seven defeats have come by a single-goal margin, highlighting how difficult they are to put away even when beaten.

Players to Watch

Mikel Merino could earn a more prominent role after netting his first goal of the tournament against Portugal. The midfielder has an excellent record for Spain, with ten of his 11 international goals arriving in victories.

Belgium will once again look to Romelu Lukaku for inspiration. The powerful striker continued his remarkable World Cup record by becoming the first player ever to score in four separate World Cup matches as a substitute after finding the net against USA.

Team News

Spain have no new injury concerns following their victory over Portugal and are expected to name a similar starting XI.

Belgium, meanwhile, will be without influential midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out with a serious knee injury.

Prediction

Spain’s defensive organisation has been the foundation of their success throughout the tournament and, despite Belgium’s formidable attacking threat, La Roja appear to hold the advantage. With Spain regularly starting matches strongly, backing De la Fuente’s side to lead at both half-time and full-time could prove an attractive option.