Thibaut Courtois has backed Spain to win the World Cup after they eliminated his Belgium side in the quarter-finals. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, making his 115th appearance, suffered a left thigh injury in the second half and had to watch from the bench as his replacement made a costly error.
Spain's path to the semi-finals
Spain took the lead through Fabian Ruiz after 30 minutes, but Belgium equalised before half-time via Charles De Ketelaere, scoring the first goal Spain had conceded in the tournament. In the 88th minute, Courtois's replacement, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, spilled Pau Cubarsi's shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score the winner from close range.
Courtois's injury and reaction
Courtois picked up a left thigh injury in the second half and, after receiving treatment on the pitch from Belgium's medical staff, was unable to continue. He was visibly upset as head coach Rudi Garcia consoled him before he made his way to the bench. 'We gave them a good game and put up a much bigger fight than people expected,' Courtois said.
Prediction: Spain as champions
Spain will face France in the semi-finals, a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final which Spain won 2-1. Courtois insisted the winner of that match would become world champion. 'The winner of the semi-final between France and Spain will become the world champion. Spain are the favourites overall. They are a team that can beat France or anyone else, and they are proving it on the pitch,' he said.
Belgium's performance and future
Reflecting on Belgium's run to the last eight, Courtois said: 'We proved that we have a good team. Perhaps in terms of individual quality we are slightly below the 2018 squad, but we have an excellent collective, a wonderful team spirit, and immense talent up front. At the end of the day, we are a small country; players like Lamine Yamal don't appear every day. But we have a great team and a strong core. We will continue to make our mark in major tournaments, even though many people doubted us.'
International future uncertain
Courtois said he had not made any decisions about his international future but would like to take a break from the national team after the World Cup. 'As for my future with the national team, we'll see. I'd perhaps like to take a break from the Nations League, as it's not the most important thing. And maybe come back for the Euro qualifiers. But ultimately, it's a decision the football association has to make. If not, perhaps today was my last match,' he added.
