Key moments and player ratings as Lammens mistake sees Spain through

Spain’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium ended in dramatic fashion on Friday night, as a defensive misstep in extra time gifted Spain the lead and sealed their passage to the semi-finals. The 70,492-strong crowd at SoFi Stadium witnessed a contest that swung on a single error, with Spain progressing beyond the last eight for the first time since 2010.

A defensive lapse and a late winner

The decisive moment arrived in extra time, when Lammens miscontrolled a clearance under pressure, allowing Spain to pounce. The ball fell to a Spain forward who slotted home to make it 1-0, a lead they would not relinquish. The goal ended Belgium’s hopes of extending their tournament run, sending Spain through to the last four.

Belgium, who had dominated possession in patches and tested Spain’s goalkeeper repeatedly, saw their efforts undone by one costly mistake. Their attacking rhythm, built on quick transitions and incisive passing, failed to break down a disciplined Spanish rearguard once the deficit was established.

Spain’s resilience under pressure

Spain weathered early pressure from Belgium, absorbing waves of attacks before gradually asserting control. Their midfield, anchored by experienced operators, managed the tempo and recycled possession effectively, frustrating Belgium’s attempts to impose their usual high-tempo style.

In attack, Spain relied on compact movement and quick combinations, probing where the space emerged. Their second goal—though born of a defensive error—highlighted their clinical edge in transition, a trait that has defined their tournament so far. The Spanish backline, marshalled by Rodri and co., remained compact even when stretched, refusing to concede space in behind.

Tactical shift: Belgium’s gamplans backfires

Belgium entered the match with a bold setup, prioritising width and verticality to stretch Spain’s defence. Their full-backs pushed high, while midfield runners attempted to overload the central channels. The approach yielded openings but also left gaps in behind, which Spain exploited on the counter.

As extra time wore on, Belgium’s intensity waned, and their structure became more disjointed. Spain, meanwhile, grew more assured in possession, probing with purpose and refusing to retreat. The tactical contrast was stark: Belgium’s adventurous approach clashed with Spain’s disciplined pragmatism, and the latter prevailed when the former faltered.

Lammens’ mistake was not just an individual error but a symptom of Belgium’s broader struggle to maintain composure under sustained pressure. Their inability to adjust when the game’s momentum shifted ultimately cost them dearly, with their high defensive line repeatedly exposed during transitional moments.

What comes next for Spain and Belgium

Spain now face a semi-final tie that will test their mettle further, with a potential clash against a resurgent opponent looming. Their path to this stage has been built on resilience and tactical adaptability, qualities they will need to replicate in the next round. The quarter-final win sets up a rematch of their group-stage encounter, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory through a first-half penalty.

For Belgium, the defeat marks the end of a tournament that promised so much. Their attacking talent was undeniable, but their defensive lapses—exposed again in a high-stakes moment—raised questions about their ability to grind out results when it mattered most. The World Cup stage has often been unkind to golden generations, and this night in Inglewood may well be remembered as another chapter in that narrative.

As Spain celebrate their progress, the focus will shift to the challenges ahead. One team’s dream lives on; the other’s has slipped further out of reach.