Spain 1-1 Belgium: Half-Time Thoughts

It is level at the break between Spain and Belgium after an entertaining first half.

It was a quiet start to the quarter-final, with Spain having a lot of the possession. Neither side had many chances before the first hydration break but Spain looked the slightly better of the two sides. Belgium did not look as dangerous going forward but still had their moments of encouraging play.

Jeremy Doku has been the biggest threat for the Red Devils and has had some really good moments against Pedro Porro. For Spain, Alex Baena and Lamine Yamal were outstanding out wide and began to grow into the game as the half went on.

Spain began to put more pressure on Belgium and found the breakthrough after 30 minutes. The goalscorer, Fabian Ruiz, had been selected to start instead of Pedri; a huge call from Luis de la Fuente that has so far paid off. Dani Olmo's shot was saved by Courtois but Ruiz was there to follow it up and put Spain ahead.

Spain then began to build momentum as they searched for a second. Lamine Yamal came close on a few occassions as he showed why he is one of the best talents in world football. 

But then, Belgium found an equaliser against the run of play through Charles De Ketelaere, who continues his fine goalscoring form. The young forward beat Pau Cubarsi in the air to level the score, meaning Spain concede for the first time this tournament.

Both sides have pressed high and looked to play exciting football. It has been an entertaining half from a neutral perspective, and the second half will be more of the same as both teams look to advance through to the semi-finals.