Belgium’s World Cup Campaign Ends
Belgium exited the World Cup after a quarter-final defeat against Spain, marking what many consider the end of their golden generation. The team, managed by Rudi Garcia, recovered from a challenging group stage to provide a strong test for Spain, ultimately bowing out after several key veterans were forced off the pitch.
Preparations for the match were complicated by injuries. Amadou Onana was seen on crutches due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the last-16 victory over the USA. Defender 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 following an injury during the warm-up, reportedly a suspected hamstring issue. He was replaced by Hans Vanaken.
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 challenged Pedro Porro, finding space between the right-back and Lamine Yamal to cut into channels and disrupt Spain’s midfield.
However, Spain capitalised on a moment when Doku was out of position. After a hydration break, Porro delivered a cross which led to Fábian Ruiz scoring the opening goal. Despite this, Belgium refused to be passive.
Charles De Ketelaere, who had scored twice in the last 16, equalised for Belgium in the 39th minute. After Aymeric Laporte impeded him, the ball eventually returned to Belgium’s right flank. Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne, whose cross found De Ketelaere, who headed home past Pau Cabarsí for Belgium’s first shot on target.
Belgium continued to find success through Doku’s dribbling, which created space for teammates like Maxim De Cuyper. A potential second goal nearly materialised when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot by De Cuyper was not converted.
Injuries and Late Drama
The match saw further challenges for Belgium due to injuries. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, replaced by Romelu Lukaku, with De Ketelaere moving wider. Axel Witsel also entered the game, meaning all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad were on the pitch with half an hour remaining.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury just before the second-half hydration break, appearing to massage his left hip. He attempted to continue but was forced off in the 71st minute, visibly emotional, and was replaced by Senne Lammens. De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, leaving the field after a clumsy challenge on Ferran Torres, with Alexis Saelemaekers coming on as a late substitute.
The decisive moment came late in the game. Pau Cubarsi’s shot from outside the box was spilled by Lammens, allowing Mikel Merino to pounce on the loose ball and score the winning goal in the 88th minute, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010. Lammens was consoled by his teammates following the error.
While Courtois, at 34, may potentially feature in a future World Cup, this tournament is likely the last for several members of Belgium’s most talented generation to date. The team demonstrated considerable resolve, providing a stern challenge to the European champions until the final whistle.
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Source: theguardian.com