Belgium’s World Cup Quarter-Final Exit
Belgium exited the World Cup quarter-finals after a match against Spain, marked by injuries to key players and a late error. The team, managed by Rudi Garcia, had overcome a challenging group stage before facing Spain.
The squad faced significant challenges even before kick-off. Amadou Onana was on crutches due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the last-16 victory against the USA. Defender Zeno Debast was not included in the squad due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness. Minutes before the match, captain Youri Tielemans was removed from the team sheet after suffering an injury during the warm-up, reportedly a suspected hamstring injury. He was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Jérémy Doku returned to the lineup and displayed more energy than in the group stage. He found space between Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal, cutting into channels to disrupt Spain’s midfield. However, his forward play left him a step behind Porro when Spain launched direct attacks. After a hydration break, Fábian Ruiz scored for Spain.
Belgium’s Valiant Effort and Injuries
Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium refused to be passive. Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, demonstrated his improved approach. In the 39th minute, the Atalanta forward was impeded by Aymeric Laporte. Two minutes later, Kevin De Bruyne passed to Timothy Castagne, who crossed the ball to De Ketelaere. He headed home an equaliser, scoring with Belgium’s first shot on target.
Belgium also found success through Doku’s dribbling, which created space for Maxim De Cuyper and other midfielders. A potential second goal nearly materialised when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot by De Cuyper was not converted.
Garcia’s side showed greater determination compared to their performance in previous tournaments. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, replaced by Romelu Lukaku, with De Ketelaere moving wider. Axel Witsel also entered the game, meaning all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad were on the pitch with half an hour remaining.
The veteran players worked to cover space, but eventually, the older guard appeared overwhelmed. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save before the second-half hydration break but was seen massaging his left hip. He attempted to continue but was forced to leave the pitch in the 70th minute. Courtois was visibly emotional as he departed, replaced by Senne Lammens, making his World Cup debut.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, sitting down 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 before his fitness issues could be further exploited.
Late Drama and Elimination
Lammens, Courtois’ replacement, was unable to secure the win for Belgium. Pau Cubarsi’s shot from outside the box was spilled by Lammens, falling into the path of Mikel Merino. Merino capitalised on the loose ball, scoring in the 88th minute to send Spain to 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 most talented generation. The team fought hard, providing a strong challenge to the European champions until the end.
Lammens was consoled by his teammates as Courtois watched, unable to conceal his disappointment at his understudy’s performance.
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Source: theguardian.com
