Belgium’s illustrious football generation made a commendable stand in their North American farewell, battling fiercely despite their exit from the World Cup. Coach Rudi Garcia and his squad faced a tough challenge against Spain in the quarter-finals, ultimately succumbing after key veterans had to withdraw from play.
The team’s preparations were complicated further when Amadou Onana arrived at the stadium on crutches due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during their previous match against the USA. In a last-minute decision, Zeno Debast was left out of the lineup as Belgium and Sporting could not reach an agreement regarding his fitness. Just moments before kickoff, disaster struck as Youri Tielemans was also removed from the team sheet after an injury during warm-ups.
Jérémy Doku was reinstated in the squad and displayed a renewed vigor compared to his performances in the group stages. He thrived in his duel against Pedro Porro, using the space between the right-back and Lamine Yamal to his advantage, making incisive runs that disrupted Spain’s midfield.
However, his aggressiveness proved costly as he struggled to keep pace with Porro during a critical moment. With Maxim De Cuyper marking Lamine Yamal, Doku was unable to prevent Porro’s cross, leading to Fábian Ruiz scoring the opening goal shortly after a hydration break.
Spain began to dominate possession, expertly maneuvering around Belgium’s defenders. Despite this, the Belgians refused to be mere spectators in the match.
Following his impressive performance in the last 16, Charles De Ketelaere showcased his development through training with Romelu Lukaku. In the 39th minute, De Ketelaere was brought down by Aymeric Laporte while trying to set up for a throw-in near Belgium’s attacking third. Just two minutes later, the ball found its way back to Belgium’s right flank, where Kevin De Bruyne delivered a precise pass to Timothy Castagne. Castagne sent a cross to De Ketelaere, who skillfully headed the ball past Pau Cabarsí, marking Belgium’s first shot on target.
While Spain quickly regained control, Belgium found opportunities through Doku’s dribbling. Although the Manchester City winger struggled with his earlier respiratory infection, his efforts created space for De Cuyper and the midfielders. Belgium nearly scored again when Doku engaged in a give-and-go with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot fell to De Cuyper, who missed the opportunity.
Garcia’s team demonstrated a resilience that was absent in their group stage exit at the last World Cup and their defeat in the last 16 of Euro 2024. After an hour of ineffective play, Leandro Trossard was substituted for Lukaku as De Ketelaere shifted to a wider position. Axel Witsel joined the fray simultaneously, bringing together all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad with half an hour remaining.
Belgium worked tirelessly to cover any open spaces but gradually showed signs of fatigue. Thibaut Courtois emerged as a crucial player, but a save just before the second-half hydration break left him on the ground, clutching his left hip. After a brief attempt to continue, he exited in the 71st minute, visibly emotional as fans from both sides applauded his contribution. Senne Lammens took over as goalkeeper.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, sitting down after a speculative lob in the 80th minute. A clumsy challenge on Ferran Torres earned him a yellow card five minutes later, prompting Garcia to use his final substitution to replace the veteran before Spain could take further advantage of his condition.
Ultimately, Lammens was unable to secure the win. Cubarsí took a long-range shot that Lammens could not hold, allowing Mikel Merino to capitalize on the loose ball and score, propelling Spain into their first semi-final since 2010.
While Courtois may still appear in the next World Cup as a seasoned player, this tournament likely marks the end for several members of Belgium’s most talented generation. The veterans fought valiantly, challenging the European champions until the final whistle. Although the outcome raises questions about their past performances, Garcia’s squad can take pride in their efforts until the very end.
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