Spain will put their record-breaking defence on the line when they face Belgium in Friday's FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with the Red Devils tasked with becoming the first team to breach La Roja's backline at the 2026 tournament.
Luis de la Fuente's side reached the last eight after a 1-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Monday, becoming the first nation in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets.
While Spain have not been as free-scoring as France, their disciplined, possession-based approach has once again made them one of the tournament favourites, echoing the style that delivered World Cup glory in 2010.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal arrived at the tournament carrying a late-season injury and has scored once in five appearances. However, Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up in attack, netting four goals, including a brace in Spain's 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Austria.
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo believes Yamal's influence extends well beyond goals.
"He brings so much to the team with his dribbling and presence. When he receives the ball, two or three opposing players close in on him, which opens up space," Olmo said.
"Lamine scores and assists – he's always done that in his short career – and even when he doesn't, he'll keep helping us with the work he's doing."
Spain's defensive record has been even more impressive. They have faced just six shots on target across five matches, underlining the balance in De la Fuente's side.
"We are a team where everyone attacks and everyone defends," Olmo added. "The coach says the No. 9 is the first to defend and the others follow suit.
"The defensive line has been spectacular, it's a historic milestone. We're happy for Unai (Simon). If we keep a clean sheet, we're closer to winning."
Belgium have enjoyed a dramatic route to the quarter-finals under head coach Rudi Garcia.
The Red Devils recovered from behind to defeat Senegal 3-2 before cruising past co-hosts the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16, inspired by a first-half brace from Charles De Ketelaere.
This tournament is expected to be the final World Cup for several members of Belgium's famed Golden Generation, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who now both play for Napoli.
Neither veteran started the victory over the United States, although Lukaku came off the bench to score. His third goal of the tournament moved him onto eight World Cup goals, level with Diego Maradona, Rudi Voller and Rivaldo.
Captain Youri Tielemans, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard provide Belgium with plenty of quality as they look to end Spain's defensive dominance.
Friday's showdown in Los Angeles marks Belgium's third World Cup quarter-final in four tournaments, although they have never reached the final.
Spain, despite their illustrious footballing history, have progressed beyond the quarter-finals only twice—reaching the final stage in 1950 before lifting the trophy for the first time at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
