Spain 2-1 Belgium: Manchester United goalkeeper’s mistake sends Red Devils crashing out of quarter-finals
HOUSTON, Texas — Thibaut Courtois has issued a passionate defence of Senne Lammens after the Manchester United goalkeeper’s costly error handed Spain a dramatic 2-1 victory in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Belgium No. 1 was forced off with injury in the 70th minute with the score tied at 1-1, but his replacement’s nightmare introduction proved decisive as Spain snatched a last-gasp winner to book their place in the semi-finals.
Lammens, who was named Premier League Signing of the Season following an outstanding debut campaign at Old Trafford, entered the fray for only his third international cap but spilled Pau Cubarsi’s speculative long-range effort directly into the path of Mikel Merino, who converted from close range to break Belgian hearts.
“I gave him a big hug,” Courtois told reporters after the match. “He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this.”
The Real Madrid shot-stopper, who was forced to watch the final stages from the sidelines, insisted the 24-year-old would not be defined by the error.
“Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Courtois added.
“You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”
‘We have to be there for each other’
Belgium had fought back from a goal down after Fabian Ruiz’s first-half opener, with Charles De Ketelaere equalising shortly before the interval.
But Lammens’ error in the dying moments ended the Red Devils’ hopes of forcing extra-time against Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Defender Brandon Mechele, who was on the pitch when the mistake occurred, backed his teammate and suggested the defence could have done more to prevent the goal.
“It’s a learning moment for him. It was not the most easy ball. I think it bounces just in front of him. And we as defenders could have helped him by following up maybe more,” Mechele said.
“So he needs to learn from this, and we as a group we have to be there for each other and help each other.”
Manchester United rally behind stopper
The Premier League club wasted no time in offering support to their goalkeeper, posting on social media: “Head up, Senne. We’re all with you.”
Lammens has been a revelation since arriving at Old Trafford, establishing himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in world football and earning widespread recognition for his performances throughout the season.
Courtois explains injury substitution
The Belgium captain also addressed his own withdrawal, revealing he wanted to stay on the pitch despite carrying an injury.
“Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%,” Courtois explained.
“I wanted to try to play maybe five or 10 minutes because I was feeling good. I was making saves, and I was not disturbed to make those saves. So that’s a decision of the coach, and that’s not a problem.
“Obviously you’re not happy when you have to leave a quarter-final of a World Cup. But yeah, sometimes it is what it is. You can’t change it.”
Spain will now face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between France and Brazil in the last four, while Belgium head home from North America with their World Cup dreams in tatters.