Spain’s Lamine Yamal takes part in a training session in Carson, California, yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Spain have made winning look routine at the FIFA World Cup, but Belgium’s growing confidence suggests today’s quarter-final could be anything but.
A place in the last four is at stake when two of Europe’s biggest football nations meet at Los Angeles Stadium today (10pm Qatar time), with La Roja’s flawless campaign coming up against a Belgian side that has gathered momentum with every passing match.
European champions Spain arrived in North America as one of the favourites and have done little to challenge that tag.
They topped Group H before sweeping aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in a tense Iberian derby, where substitute Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
More impressively, Luis de la Fuente’s men have yet to concede a goal, becoming the first team in World Cup history to register six successive clean sheets.
Spain’s defensive solidity has been matched by the quality throughout the side. Rodri continues to dictate play from midfield, Pedri and Dani Olmo provide the craft, while teenager Lamine Yamal remains one of the tournament’s biggest attractions despite the extra attention he receives from opposing defenders.
Mikel Oyarzabal has also been a key figure in Spain’s attacking surge, leading their scoring charts with four goals in five matches at the tournament.
“He brings so much to the team with his dribbling and presence. When he receives the ball, two or three opposing players close in on him, which opens up space,” Olmo said of his Barcelona teammate Yamal.
“Lamine scores and assists, he’s always done that in his short career, and even when he doesn’t, he’ll keep helping us with the work he’s doing.”
Spain’s success has been built as much on discipline as flair.
“We are a team where everyone attacks and everyone defends,” Olmo said. “The coach says the number nine is the first to defend and the others follow suit. The defensive line has been spectacular. If we keep a clean sheet, we’re closer to winning.”
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne in action during a training session yesterday. (PICS: AFP)
Belgium, meanwhile, have quietly grown into one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. After opening with draws against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils found their rhythm by thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G. They then produced a stirring comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before dismantling co-hosts United States 4-1 in Seattle to reach the last eight.
Rudi Garcia’s side still leans on the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, while Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere have added pace, creativity and goals to Belgium’s attack.
The only major setback ahead of the showdown is the absence of Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament against the United States.
Today’s contest will renew a World Cup rivalry that has produced one win apiece. Belgium eliminated Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 1986 quarter-finals before La Roja responded with a 2-1 victory in the group stage at Italia ‘90.
Overall, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in the fixture, winning 12 of their 22 meetings, with Belgium claiming five victories and five matches ending level.
Spain’s perfect record and defensive resilience make them deserved favourites, but Belgium’s ability to overcome adversity and hurt opponents in different ways makes this one of the World Cup’s most intriguing quarter-finals.
