"Not even in my best dreams..." Merino Hails Spain's Performance As Yamal And Williams Look Ahead To France

Mikel Merino admitted that even he could scarcely believe his remarkable World Cup story, having entered as a substitute to score another decisive late winner and send Spain into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium.

The Arsenal midfielder once again proved to be Luis de la Fuente's ultimate game-changer, striking late to settle an absorbing quarter-final after Belgium had pushed one of the tournament favourites all the way.

While Spain celebrated another famous victory, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was left to reflect on an injury-enforced exit and a painful defeat, although he insisted his side had shown they could compete with the very best.

Merino has now developed a habit of producing defining moments on football's biggest stage, having also scored a dramatic winner in the previous round.

Asked whether he could ever have imagined such a tournament, the Spain midfielder smiled.

"Not even in my best dreams could I have imagined what is happening," Merino said in his post-match player interview.

"Another goal in the 90th minute, arriving in the box again... it's crazy to be able to help the team once more. But at the same time, I always believe I can make an impact every time I step onto the pitch. I trust myself, and today I was alert to a mistake from the goalkeeper."

The 30-year-old revealed De la Fuente kept his instructions simple before introducing him.

"He didn't tell me much," Merino laughed. "He just told me I was wearing number 10. Afterwards he came over and simply said I was incredible."

Merino explained that his approach never changes, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.

"I just try to get into positions where I can hurt the opposition. Belgium were very organised, but when you put bodies into the penalty area, things happen. I wanted to be ready for any loose ball or second ball."

The midfielder also credited his family for helping him enjoy what he described as the happiest period of his life.

"I feel privileged to be living this. My family are here, my son is here, and they give me so much strength. Maybe that little bit of luck came because of the good energy they bring me."

Lamine Yamal once again played a key role in Spain's attacking display and was named Player of the Match, although the 18-year-old insisted individual awards mattered little compared to reaching the last four.

"We're very happy to be in the semi-finals," Yamal said.

"It was a very difficult match. From one to ten, I don't really know how I played, but I'm happy with my performance and, above all, with the result."

Despite continuing to search for more goals, Yamal insisted scoring is secondary if Spain lift the trophy.

"It doesn't frustrate me," he said.

"I won the European Championship scoring only one goal. If we win the World Cup, I don't think anyone will say I didn't score enough. As long as we keep winning, I'll be happy. The most important thing is the team."

Spain will now meet France in what many have labelled an early final, a challenge Yamal is embracing.

"I think everyone has been waiting for this game since the World Cup started," he said.

"For me, we're the two best teams in the tournament. But we have no fear. If there's one team that can play France with confidence, it's us."

The teenager also believes his fitness is improving after arriving at the tournament carrying an injury.

"Every week I'm feeling better. I arrive with a lot of confidence, I know I'm ready and I'm really looking forward to that game."

Before signing off, Yamal sent a message to supporters celebrating back home.

"We're all very happy. Trust us. We'll give everything we've got. Celebrate reaching the semi-finals and see you in four days."

Substitute Nico Williams also played an important role after returning from injury, admitting the past year had tested him mentally.

"I feel liberated," Williams said.

"The year has been difficult. Life knocks you down, but you have to get back up. That's the lesson life teaches you. I'm just happy I could help the team."

The Athletic Club winger praised De la Fuente for making every player feel valued.

"The coach always tells us everyone is important, from the first player to the last. Those of us who came off the bench knew we had a big role."

Williams believes Spain are ready for another huge examination against France.

"I've got a lot of confidence," he said.

"We know what we're playing for. We'll really find out what we're made of, because we want to lift this title."

He also credited Spain's dressing room for helping him through one of the toughest periods of his career.

"The group has supported me from the very first moment. They know everything I've gone through. My family, my brother, my friends and my girlfriend have all been there for me. I don't want to say much more because I'll get emotional."

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois endured a frustrating evening after suffering a muscle problem midway through the second half before eventually being substituted.

"I felt something in my muscle after one of my long kicks," Courtois explained.

"I wanted to continue because I was still making saves, but the coach wanted someone who was 100 per cent fit. I understand that decision because this is the World Cup."

Despite leaving the field in tears, the Real Madrid goalkeeper insisted Belgium had pushed Spain harder than many expected.

"Spain are one of the favourites to win everything," he said.

"They can beat France, they can beat anyone, and they're proving that. But I think we gave them a much tougher game than many people expected, so we're proud of that."

Courtois also backed Spain to go all the way.

"I think the winner of that semi-final between Spain and France will become world champions."

Looking ahead, the Belgian admitted his international future remains uncertain.

"We'll have to speak with the coach and the federation. If they agree with the plan we have, then we'll see. Otherwise, maybe today was my last game."

Even so, he remains optimistic about Belgium's future.

"We're a small country, but we've shown again that we have a great team, a great spirit and young talent coming through. People criticise us because we haven't won a major tournament, but I'm proud of everything we've achieved. I believe Belgium will have its moment one day."