ROME (ITALPRESS) – Belgium’s elimination in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals against Spain has also led to a controversy involving Thibaut Courtois and coach Rudi Garcia.
After the 2-1 defeat that sent the Red Furies into the semifinals, the Real Madrid goalkeeper expressed his disappointment with the coach’s decision to substitute him during the second half. Courtois had been forced to seek medical attention due to an injury, but would have preferred to remain on the pitch. Garcia, however, decided to rely on Senne Lammens, who played a role in the move that led to Spain’s decisive goal.
After the match, the Belgian coach reconstructed the incident: “During the hydration break, I told the coach that I wanted to continue, even if I couldn’t run the 100 meters,” he said. “But he replied that if I wasn’t 100%, he’d replace me. I wanted to continue for at least another five minutes, see how it went. In the end, though, he’s the one who decides…”
The disappointment over the tournament exit could also have consequences for Courtois’s future with the national team. The goalkeeper, in fact, hasn’t ruled out the possibility of retiring: “I’d like to take a break. The Nations League isn’t a major competition,” he explained. “We’ll see if the Federation agrees, otherwise this could have been my last match for Belgium.”
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
