Belgium's World Cup hopes suffered a blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off the pitch due to injury during their quarter-final match against Spain. The Real Madrid keeper was visibly emotional as he was substituted.
Courtois appeared to injure his left thigh in the 67th minute, prompting a hydration break. After receiving treatment, he initially seemed able to continue but soon signaled to his bench that he needed to be replaced. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens came on as his substitute.
As Courtois left the field, he was seen in tears on the bench, receiving support from teammates and staff. The veteran goalkeeper watched from the sidelines as Lammens faced a barrage of Spanish attacks, notably from Lamine Yamal.
With the score tied 1-1 late in the second half, the match seemed headed for extra time. However, in the 87th minute, Lammens conceded the decisive goal when he spilled a save in the six-yard box, allowing Spain's Mikel Merino to score and break the deadlock. BBC commentator Guy Mowbray noted the unfortunate circumstances, questioning what Courtois might have done in the same situation.
