'I wanted to stay on' - Thibaut Courtois explains tearful exit as Belgium goalkeeper was replaced by Senne Lammens before Spain’s quarter-final winner
Goal | 11.07.2026 13:00
Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper Courtois was forced to withdraw in the second-half due to a quadriceps muscle injury during the World Cup quarter-final clash against Spain. The 34-year-old shot-stopper briefly tried to continue playing but ultimately left the pitch in tears in the 71st minute. The introduction of substitute goalkeeper Lammens proved fatal, as his failure to secure a Pau Cubarsi strike allowed Merino to pounce and seal a 2-1 defeat for Belgium in Los Angeles.
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