Spain's bid for a second FIFA World Cup title faces another major test Friday when the reigning European champions meet a rejuvenated Belgium in a quarterfinal clash in Los Angeles, with a semifinal spots awaiting the winners.
Nearly 16 years after lifting their first World Cup trophy in South Africa, Spain is within three victories of reclaiming football's biggest prize. Luis de la Fuente's side has emerged as one of the tournament's standout teams, combining defensive dominance with clinical performances to reinforce its status as one of the favorites.
La Roja topped Group H before comfortably eliminating Austria in the opening knockout round.
They then avenged last year's UEFA Nations League final defeat to Portugal in the round of 16, with Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic late winner to seal one of the tournament's biggest victories.
That triumph sent Spain into their sixth World Cup quarterfinal. After losing each of its first four appearances at this stage, Spain finally broke through by defeating Paraguay in 2010 before going on to win the country's first World Cup.
