Spain Face Belgium in Quarterfinal Rematch of Their 1986 World Cup Classic

Spain and Belgium meet in the quarterfinals on Friday, renewing a rivalry that hasn't played out in a World Cup knockout round in almost four decades. It's only the third World Cup meeting between the two, and the first since a group-stage clash back in 1990.

Spain's campaign has been close to perfect. They opened with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then found their rhythm, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 and edging Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H. In the knockouts, they beat Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before needing a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino to see off Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. Spain haven't conceded a single goal all tournament, a defensive record built around goalkeeper Unai Simón and anchored in midfield by Rodri, with Pedri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal driving the attack.

Belgium's route has been livelier. They drew both Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0, playing much of the second half a man down after a red card) before beating New Zealand 5-1 to close out their group. The knockouts have been dramatic: a 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal, then a 4-1 demolition of the USA in the Round of 16, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku sealing it off the bench. Kevin De Bruyne remains their creative heartbeat when fit, while Thibaut Courtois, who plays his club football in Spain with Real Madrid, gives Belgium a world-class presence between the posts.

History heavily favors Spain, who have won 6 of the 7 meetings between the sides, with the solitary exception being Belgium's penalty-shootout win in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, the last time these two met at this stage of the tournament. Spain haven't lost to Belgium since, winning the last five encounters by an aggregate of 13-1, most recently a 2-0 friendly win in 2016.

With both sides unbeaten through six matches so far, this quarterfinal looks set to be one of the tightest tests either team has faced at this World Cup.