Spain’s unbreached defense faces Belgium test in World Cup quarterfinal

NEW YORK, July 9 — Spain and Belgium meet in an all-European World Cup quarterfinal on Friday, with Belgium facing the daunting task of becoming the first team to score against Spain in the tournament.

Spain has yet to concede a goal at the World Cup, with goalkeeper Unai Simon extending his shutout streak in World Cup finals to 609 minutes, a run dating back to the group stage of the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Luis de la Fuente is expected to retain his preferred back four of Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Pedro Porro, although Marcos Llorente is available as an alternative at right back if the coach opts to freshen its lineup.