Belgium’s World Cup Campaign Ends
Belgium exited the World Cup quarter-finals following a defeat to Spain, marking the end of the tournament for a generation of their prominent players. The match saw manager Rudi Garcia’s side overcome a challenging group stage to provide a strong contest against the European champions. However, injuries to key veterans ultimately impacted their performance.
Preparations for the quarter-final were complicated by several injury concerns for Belgium. Amadou Onana was seen on crutches, having sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the last-16 victory against the USA. Additionally, Zeno Debast was not included in the squad due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness.
Just before kick-off, Youri Tielemans was removed from the team sheet after suffering an injury during the warm-up. This last-minute change meant Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans, who was initially set to start alongside Nicolas Raskin in midfield.
Key Moments and Injuries
Jérémy Doku returned to the starting lineup and displayed improved form compared to his group stage appearances. He effectively exploited space between Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal, creating opportunities by cutting into channels and drawing Spain’s midfield out of position. However, his proactive play sometimes left him vulnerable defensively.
Spain capitalised on this, with Fábian Ruiz scoring after Porro prepared a cross following a hydration break. Despite Spain’s dominance, Belgium continued to press. Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, demonstrated his improved attacking approach. In the 39th minute, he was involved in a play near Spain’s attacking third.
Two minutes later, Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne on Belgium’s right flank. Castagne then crossed the ball to a diving De Ketelaere, who headed home an equaliser past Pau Cabarsí. This goal was Belgium’s first effort on target in the match.
Although Spain quickly re-established control, Belgium found success through Doku’s dribbling. Despite a respiratory infection potentially affecting the Manchester City winger, his runs created space for Maxim De Cuyper and other midfielders. Belgium nearly scored a second goal when Doku and De Bruyne combined, but a deflected attempt fell to De Cuyper, who could not convert.
Garcia’s team showed greater determination than the squad that exited the group stage in Qatar four years prior and the last 16 of Euro 2024. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, with Romelu Lukaku replacing him as part of a triple change that saw De Ketelaere move wider. Axel Witsel also entered the game, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.
As the match progressed, Belgium’s older players appeared to be overwhelmed. Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves but was forced off in the 71st minute after sustaining an injury just before the second-half hydration break. He was visibly emotional as he left the field, replaced by Senne Lammens, making his World Cup debut.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, taking a seat after an 80th-minute lob attempt. He received a yellow card five minutes later for a challenge on Ferran Torres, leading to his substitution by Alexis Saelemaekers as Garcia used his final change to prevent Spain from exploiting De Bruyne’s hobbled state.
Late Drama and Exit
The decisive moment came when Pau Cubarsí took a shot from outside the box. Lammens was unable to secure the ball, spilling it into the penalty area. Mikel Merino reacted quickly, pouncing on the loose ball and scoring past a kneeling Lammens in the 88th minute, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010. This marked Merino’s second late winner in as many knockout matches.
Lammens was consoled by his teammates after the error, while Courtois watched from the sidelines, unable to hide his disappointment. Commentator Danny Murphy noted that Lammens had been brought on late and that it was his first significant action in the game, highlighting that he stopped the shot but failed to clear the danger effectively.
While Courtois may potentially participate in a future World Cup as an elder statesman, this tournament is likely the last for several members of Belgium’s most talented generation. Despite their valiant effort against the European champions, the result means Belgium exits the competition.
The team’s performance, particularly their resolve in this match, was seen as a source of pride for Garcia’s squad, even if it did not fully dispel past criticisms regarding underperformance in previous tournaments. Spain will now face France in a semi-final showdown.
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Source: theguardian.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
