Magical dribbles and creative inspirations, only lacking a bit of luck: Lamine Yamal had to wait until his sixth match in this World Cup to finally show his best in his country Spain's 2-1 win over Belgium on Friday in the quarterfinals.

For a long time, the match was reduced to a remote duel between the Barcelona winger and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who thwarted his attempts and many other Spanish attempts, before the giant goalkeeper was forced off with a left thigh injury (71').

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On a shot by Pau Cubarsí, his replacement Seny Lammens made a grave error in catching it, something the starting goalkeeper would not have done, allowing substitute Mikel Merino, who had knocked out Portugal in the round of 16, to repeat the feat (88'). Thus, 'La Roja', the European champions, paved their way to the semifinals to face France next Tuesday in Dallas. A date that must excite Yamal, who is accustomed to shining against 'Les Bleus' at this stage of major tournaments: a wonderful goal in Euro 2024 (2-1), and two more in the UEFA Nations League last year (5-4).

- Source of the first goal -

And if the prodigy, who turns 19 on Sunday, is still looking for his second goal in the tournament, far from the crazy race led by Argentine Lionel Messi and Frenchman Kylian Mbappé (8), he contributed greatly to his country's qualification against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Confirming his rising level shown in the previous round against Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo (1-0), he posed a constant threat to the 'Red Devils' defense from the right flank.

He was the provider of the first assist in Spain's goal, with a precise through ball to Pedro Porro, who crossed it to Dani Olmo, forcing Courtois to make a save in vain, before Fabián Ruiz benefited and scored (29').

Before this brilliant assist, the Barcelona winger had gained confidence with some smooth dribbles, most notably the move where he escaped a tight defender with a skillful feint (14'), then had his first chance with a curled shot from his favorite spot on the edge of the box, without managing to put it between the three posts (20').

The attempts continued, but Courtois was on guard, reading most of his balls, as in the good free kick he saved (34').

- Scorer in El Clásico -

The 'most Spanish of Belgians' has the advantage of knowing the opponent well, having faced him in several El Clásicos in recent years. Yamal had scored in three of them last year, once in the Super Cup and twice in the league. When Courtois did not intervene, the post or the side netting denied Yamal (40'), or a blue and pink boot prevented him from hitting the net (51'). At that stage of the second half, most balls went through him, but neither this dangerous cross (57') nor the new curled shot (60') found their way to the goal, due to Courtois' brilliance who also saved his country against Mikel Oyarzabal, who received a precise ball from... Yamal (62'). Then came the emotional moment when the Belgian giant left the pitch. Without his direct opponent, the Spanish striker seemed to lose some energy, as signs of fatigue also began to appear. But fortunately for Spain, their strength also lies in the second-line players, always ready to decide things when they come on, and decisive in the final moments... They sent a warning to 'Les Bleus': they must contain Yamal, who is approaching his best level, and also beware of the rest of the Spanish players.