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Belgium's World Cup Dream Shattered by Fate and Injuries
11 Jul
Summary
- Key players Onana, Tielemans, and Courtois sustained injuries.
- Substitute goalkeeper Lammens made a costly error in the final minutes.
- Coach Garcia defended his decision to substitute Courtois.

Belgium's World Cup campaign concluded with a heartbreaking quarter-final loss to Spain, where 'fate' seemed to play a significant role. The team grappled with multiple player injuries, including midfielder Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans, before star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was substituted due to a leg injury.
Coach Rudi Garcia confirmed it was his decision to replace Courtois, prioritizing player fitness. However, this led to Manchester United's Senne Lammens making his World Cup debut in a critical moment. Lammens, usually dependable, parried a shot, allowing Spain to score the winning rebound with just minutes remaining.
Courtois later expressed support for his teammate, acknowledging the difficult situation. The loss marks a potential end to the 'golden generation's' era, with key players like Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku nearing the twilight of their international careers.
Despite the disappointment, emerging talents like Joaquin Seys and Charles De Ketelaere showed promise for Belgium's future. Coach Garcia praised his team's fight, lamenting the series of events that hindered their progress and prevented them from reaching extra time against Spain.