Spain advance after a Belgium quarter-final that hinges on a late Mikel Merino moment, according to multiple reports. Both outlets describe Merino’s late contribution as decisive, preventing Spain from being eliminated and giving them a path forward toward a match against France. While Spain’s result is described as a rescue in the immediate context of the quarter-final, coverage emphasizes that the performance level Spain showed may not be enough for the next round. Both sources frame the forthcoming meeting with France as a major step up in difficulty, noting France as World Cup favourites. The articles characterize the France game as effectively a “final before the final,” suggesting high expectations and pressure for Spain to improve. The overall picture presented is that Spain’s tournament momentum continues, but that they must raise their quality and consistency beyond the quarter-final’s late-game spark. The reports converge on the same core points: Merino’s decisive late impact, Spain’s need to step up, and France’s status as the next, more formidable opponent.