Belgium’s World Cup run ends in quarter-finals
Belgium exited the World Cup quarter-finals following a defeat to Spain, marking what many observers consider the end of their ‘golden generation’. Despite a valiant effort, the team, managed by Rudi Garcia, was ultimately overcome, with key veterans forced off due to injury.
The match saw Belgium recover from a challenging group stage to provide a stern test for Spain. However, a series of pre-match and in-game injuries significantly impacted Garcia’s ability to field his ideal lineup.
Injury woes plague Belgian squad
The Belgian squad faced considerable challenges even before kick-off. Amadou Onana was seen on crutches, having sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the last-16 victory against the USA. Zeno Debast was not included in the squad due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness, as he had only made the bench once during the summer.
Just minutes before the match began, Youri Tielemans was removed from the team sheet after suffering an injury during the warm-up. This was a significant blow, as Tielemans had been slated to start alongside Nicolas Raskin in midfield but was replaced by Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken shortly before the game.
Despite these setbacks, Jérémy Doku returned to the lineup and displayed a more dynamic performance than he had during the group stage. He effectively exploited the space between Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal, cutting into channels to disrupt Spain‘s midfield. However, his proactive play also left him vulnerable defensively, particularly when Spain launched direct attacks.
Spain capitalised on this, with Fábian Ruiz scoring after Porro delivered a cross following a hydration break. Belgium, however, refused to yield, demonstrating greater resolve than in previous tournaments.
Courtois and De Bruyne succumb to injuries
Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, showcased improved form, which observers attributed to his training with Romelu Lukaku. In the 39th minute, De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium. After Aymeric Laporte slowed his attempt to set up a throw-in, the ball returned to Belgium‘s right flank. Kevin De Bruyne then passed to Timothy Castagne, who crossed to a diving De Ketelaere. He deftly headed home the equaliser, marking Belgium‘s first shot on target.
Belgium continued to find success through Doku‘s dribbling, which created space for Maxim De Cuyper and other midfielders. They nearly scored a second goal when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected attempt by De Cuyper was not converted.
As the match progressed, Garcia made a triple substitution, replacing Leandro Trossard with Lukaku and moving De Ketelaere wide. Axel Witsel also entered the game, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.
The team’s efforts to cover ground were evident, but the ‘old guard’ eventually appeared overwhelmed. Thibaut Courtois, who had been crucial, sustained an injury just before the second-half hydration break. He was seen massaging his left hip and, after attempting to continue, was forced to leave the field in the 71st minute, visibly emotional. He was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, taking a seat after an 80th-minute lob. He received a yellow card five minutes later for a challenge on Ferran Torres, leading Garcia to use his final substitution to replace him before Spain could further exploit his discomfort.
Late error seals Belgium’s fate
The change in goal proved costly for Belgium. Pau Cubarsí took a shot from outside the box, which Lammens failed to secure, spilling the ball into the penalty area. Mikel Merino was quick to react, poaching the loose ball and scoring, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010. This 88th-minute winner was Merino‘s second late decider in as many knockout games.
Lammens was consoled by his teammates, while Courtois watched from the sidelines, showing his dismay at the outcome. While Courtois may potentially participate in a future World Cup as an elder statesman, this tournament is likely the last for several key members of Belgium‘s most talented generation to date. Despite the outcome, Garcia‘s squad demonstrated pride and determination until the final whistle.
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Source: theguardian.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”