Belgium’s reward for ending the United States’ World Cup dream is a meeting with Spain, one of the tournament’s most composed teams. The quarterfinal matchup now carries the feeling of a tactical test between Belgian finishing and Spanish control.

AP News reported that Belgium advanced after a 4 to 1 win over the United States, while Spain moved through by beating Portugal 1 to 0. The results created one of the most anticipated quarterfinals of the tournament. Belgium showed power and directness. Spain showed patience and defensive discipline.

The contrast is appealing. Belgium can hurt opponents quickly when they make mistakes. Against the U.S., De Ketelaere, Vanaken and Lukaku turned chances into goals with little hesitation. Spain, by comparison, has built its run around structure, possession and late pressure. Mikel Merino’s stoppage time goal against Portugal was a perfect example of a team willing to wait until the door opens.

For Belgium, the challenge will be staying efficient without surrendering too much of the ball. For Spain, the danger is that one careless giveaway could invite the kind of Belgian attack that punished the Americans. Quarterfinals often come down to small details, and both teams have players capable of deciding a match in one moment.

The World Cup has already lost the United States, Canada, Mexico and Portugal. Spain against Belgium now becomes part of the tournament’s new center of gravity. It is not only a game for a semifinal place. It is a test of which style can survive when the margins get tighter.