Possession read 62% to Spain and 38% to Belgium, with Spain completing 268 accurate passes to Belgium’s 150. Spain entered the final third 33 times to Belgium’s 17 and completed 83 of 107 actions there, a tidy 78% success rate. That field position translated into xG as Spain posted 1.08 expected goals to Belgium’s 0.18. The shot map reflected it too, with Spain taking six efforts inside the box and three from range, compared to Belgium’s two shots total. Spain won the majority of ground duels, 18 of 29, and went 4 of 5 on dribbles for an 80% clip. They were dispossessed only twice, a mark of clean receiving and support around the ball. Crossing was Spain’s weak spot in possession, going 1 of 8, although they did not need a stream of crosses given the central combinations. Even long balls tilted toward Belgium in accuracy, but Spain’s build-up remained steady and progressive despite that detail.

Belgium’s compact block and the transition plan

Belgium’s defensive effort was heavy on clearances, with 14 to Spain’s 5, and five first-half interceptions to Spain’s three. That volume shows how deep the Red Devils defended for long spells. The aerial duel split jumps off the page. Belgium won six of the seven aerial battles, which helped them reset territory and break Spain’s rhythm. They also matched Spain in big chances scored at one apiece, taking their moment when it arrived. In open play, Belgium’s wide threats tried to stretch Spain, with Jérémy Doku attempting eight dribbles and finding three progressive carries. Their crossing was more efficient at 2 of 6, even if supply was limited. Long balls were a key outlet and Belgium led that accuracy 11 of 22 compared to Spain’s 8 of 18. The defensive error column shows one Belgian mistake leading to a shot, a reminder of the fine margins they had to manage. Still, the plan kept Spain to one goal and gave De Ketelaere the platform to convert.

Goalkeepers and key duels that shaped the half

Courtois had the busier first half between the posts, making two saves and preventing an estimated 0.19 goals. His distribution included nine accurate long balls, a direct link to Belgium’s transitions. Unai Simón was not credited with a save before the interval and posted a negative goals prevented figure of -0.56, a reflection of conceding from Belgium’s best look. Spain’s ground dominance contrasted with Belgium’s aerial authority, a split that influenced second balls and restarts. Spain’s eight tackles to Belgium’s three underlined which side pressed more often and higher. Recoveries were nearly even, 23 to 21 for Spain, but the locations mattered, with Spain regaining closer to Belgium’s box. Throw-ins also told a possession story at 13 to 7 for Spain, keeping them in attacking zones. And while Belgium suffered four dispossessions to Spain’s two, their clearances and blocks repeatedly reset danger.

Who’s shining: Sofascore Rating leaders

On Sofascore, De Ketelaere owned the half with a 7.6 Sofascore Rating after his goal, five aerials won and two total shots. Courtois followed at 7.4, boosted by those timely saves and his long passing. Castagne checked in at 7.0 thanks to a goal assist, a big chance created and steady defending on the flank. Spain’s top performer by the break was Lamine Yamal with a 7.2, a persistent outlet who won eight duels, completed a cross and put one shot on target. Ruiz sat on a 7.0 with the opening goal and 0.51 xG, plus one key pass to round his output. Rodri’s 6.9 reflected midfield control with 45 of 47 passes completed and two key passes, along with 100% long-ball accuracy. Pau Cubarsí’s 6.7 featured 49 of 51 passing and a key pass from the back, even with the late booking. For Spain’s front line, Mikel Oyarzabal’s 6.8 came from diligent work without a shot, including tackles and link play. Remember, on Sofascore a 10 is perfect, so these first-half numbers leave room for upgrades after the interval.