Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears after suffering a left thigh injury during Belgium's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain on Friday. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was forced off in the second half following treatment, replaced by Manchester United's Senne Lammens. Courtois was visibly upset as Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia consoled him on his way to the bench.
Belgium's injury woes
Belgium were already without captain Youri Tielemans, who was ruled out before the match due to a hamstring injury sustained in the warm-up. The double blow compounded Belgium's struggles.
Lammens error proves costly
Substitute goalkeeper Lammens made a critical error in the 88th minute, spilling Pau Curbasi's effort. Mikel Merino pounced on the loose ball to score Spain's winner from close range. Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium with a header 11 minutes later.
Spain advance to semi-final
Spain will now face France in the World Cup semi-final on July 14. The victory ends Belgium's campaign, with Courtois's injury adding to the disappointment.
