W杯準々決勝でスペインとベルギーが激突、準決勝進出を懸けた大一番へ

Spain’s defensive dominance under Luis De La Fuente

Spain enters the quarterfinal as the reigning European champions and a perceived tournament favorite. La Roja has maintained a remarkable standard of play, remaining unbeaten in 36 straight competitive matches since March 2023. Most impressively, Spain has reached the quarterfinals without conceding a single goal in five tournament matches. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been rarely tested, needing to make only six saves throughout the competition. Spain’s defensive success is anchored by the midfield duo of Rodri and Pedri, who provide elite possession and control. Coach Luis De La Fuente noted that the team has been very focused on the defensive aspect, though he acknowledged a need for more efficacy in front of the goal. Spain has scored nine goals in the tournament, though seven of those came during routs of Saudi Arabia and Austria. In the round of 16, the team narrowly defeated Portugal 1-0, requiring a clutch injury-time goal from Mikel Merino to advance.

Belgium’s offensive surge under Rudi Garcia

Belgium, meanwhile, arrives at the quarterfinal on a surging trajectory, extending its own unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions. After two lackluster draws to begin the tournament, the Red Devils’ offense has reached a new level, scoring 12 goals in their last three games, including a 5-1 win over New Zealand, a 3-2 win over Senegal, and a 4-1 victory over the co-host United States. Belgium has utilized a balanced attack, with Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard, and Youri Tielemans each scoring twice during this stretch. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku has also contributed three goals as a substitute. Coach Rudi Garcia has seen his team receive five goals from substitutes at this World Cup, allowing the squad to attack effectively for the full 90 minutes.

Belgium’s coach, Rudi Garcia, remains defiant regarding his team’s underdog status. “Everyone is already talking about us going home, but we believe we can do it,” Garcia said. “We believe we can pull off an upset, and we will do everything we can to get to the semis.” Regarding the crowd in the Los Angeles area, Garcia added, “It’s not the crowd that scores the goals. It’s not the fans that score the goals. We’re going to focus on what we can do.”

Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku prepare for the quarterfinal

Tactical decisions loom for Belgium, particularly regarding veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 35. De Bruyne is not fully match-fit and was rested during the win over the United States, though Garcia may consider starting him to utilize his unique ability to break lines with passes. Lukaku, Belgium’s career goals leader, compared the upcoming match to the team’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Brazil eight years ago. “Tomorrow we need to play the perfect game if we want to proceed,” Lukaku said. “Spain is an excellent team. They’ve been playing the same type of football since 2008. They’re well prepared, but we have certain assets that can make life difficult for them.”

For Spain, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal remains a focal point despite scoring only one goal in his first World Cup. While he had limited playing time in the group stages while returning from a hamstring injury incurred in April with Barcelona, his teammates remain confident in his contribution. “Maybe he hasn’t contributed goals, but he brings all the attack,” midfielder Gavi said. “He’s incredible.” De La Fuente also praised Yamal for an excellent two-way performance in the win against Portugal. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored two goals in Spain’s 3-0 rout of Austria at SoFi Stadium last week, highlighted the team’s cohesion: “I think we’ve managed to build a really solid core group. Regardless of whether things go well or badly, or who’s playing, the team responds, and I think that’s crucial.”

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