Belgium’s World Cup journey ends in quarter-finals
Belgium exited the World Cup quarter-finals following a defeat to Spain, marking what is likely the final major tournament for several members of their ‘golden generation’. Despite a valiant effort, the team ultimately succumbed after key players were forced out of action due to injuries.
The match saw Rudi Garcia‘s side recover from a challenging group stage to provide a significant test for Spain. However, a series of setbacks, particularly concerning veteran players, impacted their performance.
Injury woes plague Belgian squad
Ahead of the quarter-final, Belgium faced multiple injury challenges. Amadou Onana was seen on crutches, having sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the previous last-16 victory against the USA. Zeno Debast was also unavailable for selection due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness, having only made the bench once during the summer.
Further compounding the team’s difficulties, captain Youri Tielemans suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the warm-up, forcing his removal from the starting lineup just 12 minutes before kick-off. Hans Vanaken replaced him in midfield. These pre-match issues highlighted the struggles Garcia faced in assembling his ideal squad.
Match action and key moments
Jérémy Doku returned to the starting lineup and displayed a more dynamic performance than in 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.
One such instance occurred after a hydration break, where Doku was a step behind Porro as he prepared a cross, leading to Fábian Ruiz dispatching the ball into the net for Spain‘s opener. Despite this, Belgium refused to be passive, showing greater resolve than in previous tournaments.
Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored a double in the last 16, showcased improved form. In the 39th minute, he was involved in a play near Spain‘s defensive third. Two minutes later, a pass from Kevin De Bruyne to Timothy Castagne on the right flank resulted in a cross. De Ketelaere then headed home an equaliser, getting on the near side of Pau Cabarsí for Belgium‘s first shot on target.
While Spain quickly re-established control, Belgium found some success through Doku‘s dribbling, which created space for teammates like Maxim De Cuyper. A give-and-go between Doku and De Bruyne nearly led to a second goal, but a deflected attempt by De Cuyper was not converted.
Veteran players forced off
As the match progressed, Garcia made a triple substitution, replacing Leandro Trossard with Romelu Lukaku, and moving De Ketelaere wide. Simultaneously, Axel Witsel entered the game, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with 30 minutes remaining.
However, Belgium‘s efforts were further hampered by injuries to key veterans. Thibaut Courtois, despite making a crucial save before the second-half hydration break, began massaging his left hip. He attempted to continue but was forced to exit in the 71st minute, visibly emotional, to applause from both sets of fans. He was replaced by Senne Lammens.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, taking a seat after an 80th-minute lob. He received a yellow card five minutes later for a challenge on Ferran Torres, leading to Garcia using his final substitution to replace him before Spain could exploit his physical discomfort further.
Late error seals Belgium’s fate
The substitution of Courtois proved to be a critical moment. Pau Cubarsí took a shot from outside the box, which Lammens was unable to secure, spilling the ball into the penalty area. Mikel Merino reacted quickest, poaching the loose ball and scoring an 88th-minute winner for Spain. This error by Lammens, making his World Cup debut, ultimately sent Belgium home.
Danny Murphy, commenting on the match, noted that Lammens stopped the shot but failed to clear it from danger, allowing Merino to capitalise. Lammens was consoled by his teammates after the goal, while Courtois watched on, struggling to conceal his disappointment. This result means Spain secured their place in a semi-final showdown against France.
Source: theguardian.com