Belgium faced a challenging exit from the World Cup quarter-finals after a loss to Spain, marking what many consider the end of an era for their ‘golden generation’. Despite a valiant effort, particularly from their veteran players, injuries and a late goal from Spain ultimately decided the match.
The team, led by manager Rudi Garcia, overcame a difficult group stage to reach the quarter-finals. However, their preparations for the match against Spain were severely impacted by a series of injuries. Amadou Onana was sidelined with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury sustained during the last-16 victory against the USA. Zeno Debast was also unavailable due to a leg injury, with differing opinions between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness.
Further compounding the team’s challenges, captain Youri Tielemans was removed from the starting lineup just before kick-off after suffering an injury during the warm-up. He was replaced by Hans Vanaken. Tielemans had been a key performer for Belgium throughout the tournament, having started every match.
Belgium’s fight and key moments
Despite the setbacks, Belgium displayed resilience. Jérémy Doku, returning to the lineup, showed improved form compared to the group stage, creating space and opportunities. His matchup against Pedro Porro allowed him to operate between the right-back and Lamine Yamal, drawing Spain’s midfield out of position.
However, Spain capitalized on a moment when Doku was out of position, with Pedro Porro setting up Fábian Ruiz for the opening goal. Belgium refused to yield, and their persistence paid off in the 39th minute. Charles De Ketelaere, who had previously scored twice in the last 16, headed home an equalizer. The goal came after Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne, who then crossed to a diving De Ketelaere, marking Belgium’s first shot on target.
Belgium continued to find success through Doku’s dribbling, which opened up space for teammates like Maxim De Cuyper. A potential second goal nearly materialized when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot fell to De Cuyper, who was unable to convert the chance.
Veteran players’ contributions and crucial injury
Garcia’s side demonstrated more determination than in previous tournaments, including their group stage exit in Qatar four years prior and their last-16 defeat in Euro 2024. During the match, Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, making way for Romelu Lukaku as part of a triple change that saw De Ketelaere move wider. Axel Witsel also entered the game simultaneously, bringing all 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 increasingly stretched. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves but sustained an injury just before the second-half hydration break, visibly massaging his left hip. After attempting to continue, he was forced to leave the field in the 71st minute, visibly emotional as both sets of fans applauded his departure. He was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, eventually being substituted in the 80th minute after receiving a yellow card for a challenge on Ferran Torres. Garcia used his final substitution to replace De Bruyne before Spain could further exploit his physical discomfort.
The decisive moment came late in the match. Pau Cubarsí took a shot from outside the box, which Lammens was unable to secure. The spilled ball was then pounced upon by Mikel Merino, who scored, putting Spain ahead 2-1. This goal sent Spain to their first semi-final since 2010 and ended Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
While Courtois may potentially participate in a future World Cup, this tournament is likely the last for several key members of Belgium’s most talented generation. Garcia’s team fought until the final whistle, providing a strong challenge to the European champions.
Courtois, who appeared in 21 World Cup matches throughout his career, made 10 saves and conceded five goals in five matches before his exit from the quarter-final.
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Source: theguardian.com
