Belgium exited the World Cup quarter-finals following a match against Spain that saw key players depart due to injury. The team, led by manager Rudi Garcia, had navigated a challenging group stage before facing Spain.
The match was marked by several pre-game and in-game injury setbacks for Belgium. Amadou Onana was unable to play due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the last-16 victory over the USA. Zeno Debast was omitted as Belgium and Sporting disagreed on whether the defender was fit enough to play. Minutes before kick-off, Youri Tielemans, who had been listed in the starting lineup, was withdrawn after an injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Jérémy Doku returned to the lineup and demonstrated a more dynamic performance than in the group stage. He found opportunities against Pedro Porro, creating space between the right-back and Lamine Yamal, and made incisive runs to disrupt Spain‘s midfield. However, his proactive play sometimes left him out of position defensively, as seen when Pedro Porro advanced for a cross that led to Fábian Ruiz scoring for Spain.
Despite Spain‘s attempts to control the game, Belgium showed resilience. Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, showcased an improved approach. In the 39th minute, he was involved in a play where Aymeric Laporte impeded his attempt to set up a throw-in. Shortly after, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a pass to Timothy Castagne, who then crossed the ball to a diving De Ketelaere. He headed the ball past Pau Cubarsí to score an equalizer, marking Belgium‘s first shot on target.
Belgium found success through Doku‘s dribbling, which created space for Maxim De Cuyper and other midfielders. A potential second goal nearly materialized when Doku and De Bruyne executed a give-and-go, but a deflected shot fell to De Cuyper, who could not convert the opportunity.
Garcia‘s team displayed greater determination 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, with Romelu Lukaku entering the game and De Ketelaere moving to a wider position. Axel Witsel also joined the match, bringing four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.
As the game progressed, Belgium‘s veteran players appeared to be struggling. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save just before the second-half hydration break but was seen massaging his left hip. After attempting to continue, he was forced to leave the field in the 71st minute due, according to one report, to a muscle injury. He was visibly emotional as he departed, receiving applause from fans of both teams. Senne Lammens replaced him.
Kevin De Bruyne also faced fitness issues, taking a seat after an 80th-minute lob. He received a yellow card five minutes later for a challenge on Ferran Torres, leading Garcia to use his final substitution to replace the veteran player.
Following Courtois‘s exit, Spain secured the decisive goal. Pau Cubarsí took a shot from outside the box, which Lammens was unable to secure, spilling it into the box. Mikel Merino reacted quickly, scoring to send Spain into their first semi-final since 2010.
While Courtois may potentially participate in a future World Cup, this tournament is likely the last for several members of Belgium‘s current generation of talent. The team’s veterans demonstrated a strong effort, challenging the European champions until the end of the match.
Garcia commented on Courtois‘s performance, stating that he was excellent throughout the World Cup and that losing him was a significant blow, especially since he could no longer execute long kicks due to his injury.
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Source: theguardian.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
