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In a World Cup quarter-final showdown, Belgium's star-studded squad will face off against Spain's defensive wall, with the European champions looking to extend their record six consecutive clean sheets. This historic milestone has left opponents scrambling to find a way to break down their impenetrable defence, and it's up to Belgium to be the first team to crack the code.

Belgium's captain, the impressive Youri Tielemans, has led by example, with the team coming back from the dead to beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 16. However, their previous victories have been against teams who have been more willing to push forward and attack, whereas Spain's cautious approach will require a different tactical approach from Martinez's team.

But Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente has been confident in his team's ability to maintain their defensive record, stating that every player on the team attacks and defends. The team's reliance on possession-based football has seen them maintain an air-tight defence, with their midfielders working tirelessly to break up opposition attacks and prevent scoring opportunities.

In a boost to their attacking prowess, midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up to lead the charge, scoring four goals in five games, including two against Austria in the last 32. The team's youngest player, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, has also shown glimpses of his potential, but the teenager arrived in the United States still recovering from a late-season injury and has netted just once in five games.

The World Cup is likely to be the last hurrah for Belgium's so-called Golden Generation, including creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku, both of whom now play for Napoli. However, despite the absence of these two players from their last match against the United States, Lukaku still managed to score, leaving many to wonder if they will make an impact in the quarter-final against Spain.

Key Facts

  • Spain's six consecutive clean sheets is a world record for the World Cup
  • Belgium will be the first team to face Spain's defensive wall in the quarter-finals
  • Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in the Spanish squad
  • Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four goals in five games for Spain
  • Belgium's captain Youri Tielemans has led by example in their previous victories