Belgium’s World Cup Campaign Concludes
Belgium concluded their World Cup journey in the quarter-finals after facing Spain. The team, managed by Rudi Garcia, navigated a challenging group stage before their encounter with Spain. The match saw several key players for Belgium impacted by injuries and late changes to the lineup.
Preparations for the quarter-final were complicated by a series of setbacks. Amadou Onana was unable to play due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the previous round against the USA. There was also uncertainty surrounding Zeno Debast‘s fitness, leading to his omission from the squad. Just before kick-off, captain Youri Tielemans was withdrawn from the starting eleven after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during the warm-up. He was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
Match Action and Key Moments
Jérémy Doku returned to the starting lineup and showed considerable energy, particularly in his matchups on the wing. His proactive play, however, sometimes left space that Spain exploited. During a direct spell of play from Spain, Fábian Ruiz scored after a cross, putting Spain ahead.
Belgium responded with determination. Charles De Ketelaere, who had previously scored twice in the last 16, demonstrated his improved offensive approach. In the 39th minute, after a pass from Kevin De Bruyne to Timothy Castagne on the right flank, De Ketelaere headed home an equaliser. This goal marked Belgium‘s first effort on target in the match.
Despite Spain‘s attempts to re-establish dominance, Belgium found success through Doku‘s dribbling, which created openings for other players. A give-and-go between Doku and De Bruyne nearly resulted in a second goal, but a deflected shot by Maxim De Cuyper was not converted.
Late Drama and Departures
The second half saw Belgium‘s resolve tested further. Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper, made a crucial save but subsequently appeared to be in discomfort, massaging his left hip. He attempted to continue but was forced to leave the field in the 71st minute due to injury, visibly emotional as he was replaced by Senne Lammens. Courtois, at 34, has participated in multiple World Cup editions.
Kevin De Bruyne also experienced fitness issues, taking a seat after an attempt on goal in the 80th minute. He later received a yellow card following a challenge. Garcia used his final substitution to replace De Bruyne with Alexis Saelemaekers, as De Bruyne had gone down with cramp moments earlier.
The decisive moment came late in the game. Pau Cubarsí took a shot, which Lammens was unable to secure, spilling the ball into the box. Mikel Merino was quick to react, scoring an 88th-minute winner for Spain. This goal sent Spain into the semi-finals against France, while Belgium‘s tournament concluded.
The performance of Garcia‘s side in this tournament showed greater determination compared to their previous exits in the group stage of the World Cup four years prior and the last 16 of Euro 2024. The team’s veteran players, including those from the 2014 World Cup squad, were on the pitch in the final half-hour, fighting until the end.
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Source: theguardian.com
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”