"I could have kept playing, but the coach substituted me." Courtoas breaks down in tears: 'Injury variable' leads Belgium to World Cup quarterfinal exit

*This content was translated by AI.

Belgium national team starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtoas (34, Real Madrid) saw his journey at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup end in vain.

Courtoas started in the quarterfinal match against Spain held at LA Stadium in the United States on the 11th (Korean time), but was substituted in the 26th minute of the second half when the score was tied 1-1, leaving the field.

Although Courtoas conceded a goal to Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) in the 30th minute of the first half, he repeatedly stopped Spanish attacks throughout the rest of the period. However, immediately after blocking a shot by Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) in the 21st minute of the second half, he collapsed on his own.

Afterward, he clutched his left thigh and complained of pain. He returned to the game after the hydration break but collapsed again shortly thereafter. Ultimately, the Belgium bench substituted Courtoas for Seny Dieng (Manchester United).

As Courtoas left the field after being substituted, he repeatedly wiped away tears with his jersey and other items, unable to hide his regret. His Belgium national team teammates were also seen comforting him.

The 'variable' of starting goalkeeper Courtoas being substituted due to injury on the stage of the World Cup quarterfinals ultimately led to Belgium's elimination. Belgium conceded a heartbreaking winning goal in the 43rd minute of the second half to Mikel Merino (Arsenal). A long-range shot by Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona) was parried by Dieng, but it unfortunately trickled toward the goal, where Merino finished it off.

Ultimately, Belgium's journey at the North American World Cup, including Courtoas and other national team players, came to an end in the quarterfinals. In a post-match interview, Courtoas said, "I felt severe pain in my thigh. However, there was no problem with guarding the goal. It was only difficult to make long kicks." He added, "The coach decided to substitute me. Above all, since the team comes first, (the substitution decision) is not a problem at all."

Meanwhile, Spain, which defeated Belgium 2-1 on this day and advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 16 years, will face France, who thoroughly defeated Morocco the previous day, in the semifinal match on the 14th.

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*This content was translated by AI.