Spain vs Belgium: Defense is the Key
JAKARTA - Spain has made history as the first team to never concede a goal in six matches at the World Cup. However, Spain's solid defense will face a tough test when facing Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal at the Los Angeles Stadium, Saturday, July 11, 2026 early morning WIB.
Spain passed the first test in the last 16 by eliminating Portugal 1-0. The victory, which extinguished Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes, lifted the trophy for the first time before retiring. Not only that, Spain also extended the clean sheet record at the World Cup.
The record with a solid defense makes Spain worthy of occupying the top team along with France and defending champion Argentina. Spain did not display the attacking football of France that was really entertaining.
On the other hand, La Roja played carefully with strong ball possession. The style of play with ball possession made Spain successful at the 2010 World Cup.
Not only presenting possession-based football, Spain also appeared with a row of talented players led by young star Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona youngster has already been able to lead Spain to the 2024 European champions and now hopes to win a double title like the era of Xavi Hernandez et al when winning the 2008 European Cup which continued to become world champions in the following two years. Spain then returned to be the best in Europe in 2022.
The question is, Yamal came to the United States in a condition that had not fully recovered. As a result, he only scored one goal from five matches at the World Cup.
While Yamal has not been able to show his sharpness, coach Luis de la Fuente relies on striker Mikel Oyarzabal who has bagged four goals. Including two goals when Spain beat Austria 3-0 in the 32nd round. Yamal also continues to receive support and will return to being the first choice when facing Belgium.
"He makes an important contribution to the team. When he receives the ball, it is certain that two or three opponents will approach him. This gives space for others," said midfielder Dani Olmo, who is also a colleague at Barca, as quoted by france24.
"Lamine not only scores goals but also makes assists. He has done it even though his career is not long. When he doesn't score, he always tries to help us," he said.
Spain came to the US relying on attacks and has a solid defense. This makes Spain one of the most stable teams.
"We are a team that allows every player to attack and defend. The coach says the number 9 [striker] is the first player to defend. The others will only follow [to defend]," said Olmo.
"Our defense line is also very good so we achieved a historic milestone. If we are able to maintain a clean sheet, we will be closer to becoming champions," he said again.
Yes, defense will be the key. But goalkeeper Unai Simon will face Belgium who are no less offensive with Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, Charles De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard. They will terrorize the Spanish defense.
On the other hand, under the Belgian flag stands the tough goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. As Real Madrid's main goalkeeper, he is sure to be quite familiar with the Spanish game, including Yamal.