Saturday now promises another blockbuster double-header as England face Norway in Miami, Florida, before defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 2010 world champions, Spain, once again showed why they are among the tournament favourites, overcoming a stubborn Belgian outfit that refused to go down without a fight. 

The Spaniards controlled large spells of the contest, but Belgium ensured there was plenty of late drama before Spain finally found the decisive breakthrough in the closing stages.

Lamine Yamal. Photo: FIFA

Fabián Ruiz handed Spain the lead in the first half with a composed finish after sustained pressure. Belgium responded superbly before the interval when Charles De Ketelaere headed home to level matters, ensuring the sides went into the break all square.

The match ebbed and flowed after the restart, with Belgium creating several dangerous opportunities while Spain continued to dominate possession. Just when extra time appeared inevitable, substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area to send the Spanish supporters into raptures.

Spain’s victory sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against France in Dallas next week, with both European heavyweights now just one win away from reaching the World Cup final. 

It was also the first goal Spain had conceded throughout the tournament, underlining just how impressive Luis de la Fuente’s side have been at the back.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s remaining quarter-finals, beginning with an intriguing clash between Norway and England in Miami.

Norway have quietly emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages. Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, they eliminated Brazil in the Round of 16 and have shown they possess the attacking quality to trouble any defence.

England, meanwhile, have steadily gathered momentum under Thomas Tuchel. After edging Mexico in a hard-fought Round of 16 encounter, the Three Lions will believe they have what it takes to reach another World Cup semi-final, although they know Norway’s pace, power and physicality will provide a stern test.

Harry Kane. Photo: FIFA

The day’s second blockbuster sees defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City.

Lionel Messi continues to inspire Argentina, who survived a thrilling Round of 16 encounter against Egypt to keep their title defence alive. With Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández also producing influential performances, Argentina remain among the favourites to lift the trophy once again.

Switzerland, however, have already proved they are capable of upsetting the odds. They knocked out Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout after keeping another clean sheet over 120 minutes, and their organised defensive structure could frustrate the South Americans.

Lionel Messi. Photo: FIFA

The winners of Saturday’s two quarter-finals will complete the semi-final line-up and face each other next week for a place in the World Cup final.

With France and Spain already through, the race for football’s biggest prize is entering its decisive phase. Every mistake is magnified, every moment counts, and if Friday night’s dramatic finish in Los Angeles is anything to go by, supporters can expect another unforgettable night of World Cup football on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg