Belgium faced a challenging quarter-final exit from the World Cup after a loss to Spain, marking the end of the tournament for a generation of their prominent players. Despite a valiant effort, the team, under manager Rudi Garcia, was ultimately overcome, with key veterans leaving the field due to injuries.
The match saw Belgium recover from a difficult group stage to present a significant challenge to Spain. However, their efforts were hampered by several pre-match and in-game injuries to crucial players.
Injury challenges and early setbacks
The team’s preparations were disrupted even before kick-off. Amadou Onana was unable to play due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered during the last-16 victory against the USA. Zeno Debast was also omitted from the squad due to a leg injury, with disagreements between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness. Minutes before the match began, Youri Tielemans, who had been a standout performer and started every match in the tournament, was withdrawn from the team sheet after sustaining an injury during the warm-up. He was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Despite these setbacks, Jérémy Doku returned to the lineup, showing more dynamism than in the group stage. He effectively challenged Pedro Porro, finding space between the right-back and Lamine Yamal, and cutting into channels to disrupt Spain‘s midfield. However, his proactive play also left him vulnerable defensively.
Spain capitalised on this, with Fábian Ruiz scoring after Porro prepared a cross following a hydration break. Spain then began to control possession, bypassing defenders and creating opportunities in open spaces.
Belgium’s fightback and veteran efforts
Belgium refused to yield, demonstrating resilience throughout the match. Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, showcased his improved approach, which some attributed to training with Romelu Lukaku. In the 39th minute, De Ketelaere equalised with Belgium‘s first shot on target. After Aymeric Laporte slowed his attempt to set up a throw-in, the ball returned to Belgium‘s right flank. Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne, who crossed to a diving De Ketelaere. He deftly headed the ball past Pau Cabarsí to level the score.
While Spain quickly regained dominance, Belgium found success through Doku‘s dribbling, which created space for Maxim De Cuyper and other midfielders. Belgium nearly scored a second goal when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected attempt fell to De Cuyper, who could not convert.
Manager Garcia‘s side displayed greater resolve compared to their previous tournament exits, including the group stage in Qatar four years prior and the last 16 of Euro 2024. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour as part of a triple change, with Lukaku replacing him and De Ketelaere moving wide. Axel Witsel also entered the game, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.
Goalkeeper’s emotional exit and decisive goal
As the match progressed, Belgium‘s veteran players appeared increasingly stretched. Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves, but a fall before the second-half hydration break led him to massage his left hip. Despite attempting to continue, he was forced to exit in the 71st minute due to a muscle injury, clutching his thigh. He was visibly emotional as he left the field, receiving applause from fans of both nations. Senne Lammens replaced him, with the score at 1-1.
Garcia confirmed that Courtois, who had been excellent throughout the tournament, wanted to continue but could no longer execute long kicks. De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, taking a seat after an 80th-minute lob and receiving a yellow card five minutes later for a challenge on Ferran Torres. Garcia used his final substitution to replace De Bruyne.
The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. Lammens was unable to claim a shot from Pau Cubarsí, spilling the ball into the box. Mikel Merino reacted quickly, poaching the loose ball and scoring above a kneeling Lammens, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010. Courtois ended this World Cup having appeared in 21 matches across his career, second only to Manuel Neuer among goalkeepers in World Cup history.
While Courtois may participate in the next World Cup, this tournament is likely the last for several members of Belgium‘s most talented generation to date. Despite the loss, Garcia‘s team showed pride in their performance until the final whistle.
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Source: theguardian.com
