Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Belgium for many years, and he featured again for Belgium in Friday’s World Cup match against Spain.
Courtois shed tears (Image: BBC)
Thibaut Courtois was seen crying after being forced off while playing for Belgium in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final match against Spain. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was replaced in the 72nd minute by Manchester United’s number one Senne Lamence.
Courtois collapsed in the scorching Los Angeles heat and was seen clutching his left thigh in the 67th minute. The former Chelsea star looked fit enough to continue after a short delay.
However, the 34-year-old was eventually unable to fight the injury and was replaced minutes later by Lamence. The shot-stopper had to be consoled by Belgium’s coaching staff after being sent off in his 21st World Cup appearance.
Courtois’ feelings are understandable, as this could have been his last World Cup appearance given his age. And Ramens, who was filling in for the veteran keeper, made an unforgettable World Cup debut as he spilled a shot and Mikel Merino pounced on it to put Spain 2-1 up.
La Roja took the lead in the 30th minute with a goal from Fabian Ruiz, before Charles de Quetelaere equalized in the 41st minute. Merino’s goals then followed and Spain faced France in the semi-finals, setting up a mouth-watering match.
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However, there will be doubts as to whether Belgium would have been able to beat Luis de la Fuente’s team had Courtois not been injured. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy suggested on the BBC commentary show that Lamence “had to take on a huge burden” before making the mistake.
He said: “Courtois is clearly devastated. Something has happened to him and he can’t go on anymore. He’s crying, which could be an indication that something worse is going on.”
Senne Ramens after his mistake in the Belgium World Cup quarter-final against Spain (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“Lamence has had a great season at Manchester United and is replacing arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Huge boots to wear.”
However, Courtois’ former Chelsea teammate and former Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta felt that Courtois was always in control in the last eight games against Rudi Garcia’s side.
The 36-year-old said: “Spain were in control, but it looks like a repeat of the last game against Portugal (another last-minute winner).”
“Spain looked completely confident. Even when Belgium scored the equalizer, they remained calm and continued with their game.”
La Roja will face France in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 8pm BST.
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