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Prairie Gates

(8,833 posts)
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 03:57 PM Friday

World Cup: Spoiler (Spain - Belgium)

The quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium is at halftime with the teams deadlocked at 1-1. This is the quarterfinal that the US would have been in had they not lost to Belgium.

Belgium started Doku and De Bruyne for this match (neither started against the US, and De Bruyne never came on at all).

Spain has been the better squad for the first half, but Belgium grew into the game a bit, and their goal was a spectacular bit of play - including a brilliant first-time pass from De Bruyne.

Those who watched the USMNT team's loss against Belgium will note the strength of the Spanish team, which has controlled much of the play. After watching the Belgians pretty much toy with an inferior US team, it is likely sobering to see what a strong European team is doing to the Belgians. The Belgians, however, are far from backing down, with some excellent play. If you put this game against the USA-BEL match, you really see how far behind the US is in quality and organization.

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World Cup: Spoiler (Spain - Belgium) (Original Post) Prairie Gates Friday OP
Spain are Euro Champs for a reason malaise Friday #1
Baby blm is enjoying the celebrations blm Friday #8
That must be so much fun malaise Friday #10
She loves living in Spain. blm Friday #11
Courtois, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has to leave the game for Belgium Prairie Gates Friday #2
I wonder if Tielemans was injured when Pulisic kicked the back of his foot maxsolomon Friday #9
The replacement Belgian keeper spills a bad rebound Prairie Gates Friday #3
Yep malaise Friday #4
There's your "Spoiler" Ponietz Friday #5
A few late chances for the Red Devils come to nothing Prairie Gates Friday #6
An expected result malaise Friday #7

malaise

(300,275 posts)
1. Spain are Euro Champs for a reason
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 04:14 PM
Friday

This is a well oiled machine with some seriously versatile players.
Your analysis is spot on.

blm

(114,899 posts)
8. Baby blm is enjoying the celebrations
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 05:32 PM
Friday

in Barcelona tonight. She called awhile ago on her way out. 😁

Prairie Gates

(8,833 posts)
2. Courtois, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, has to leave the game for Belgium
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 04:34 PM
Friday

Belgium already missing their captain Youri Tielemans who was hurt in the warm-up.

maxsolomon

(39,602 posts)
9. I wonder if Tielemans was injured when Pulisic kicked the back of his foot
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 05:36 PM
Friday

Pulisic kicked him so hard he broke ("microfractured&quot his own leg.

Prairie Gates

(8,833 posts)
3. The replacement Belgian keeper spills a bad rebound
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 04:52 PM
Friday

Merino puts Spain up with what's surely a game winner in the 88th minute.

Prairie Gates

(8,833 posts)
6. A few late chances for the Red Devils come to nothing
Fri Jul 10, 2026, 05:00 PM
Friday

Spain advances. Belgium exits with head held high after pushing Spain to the limit and justifying football to the world

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