Belgium coach Rudi Garcia is facing criticism for taking off first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during Friday's World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain, after replacement Senne Lammens made a crucial error that led to the decisive goal.
Key facts
- Belgium lost 2-1 to Spain in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
- Rudi Garcia replaced injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after 71 minutes.
- Replacement Senne Lammens spilt a low strike by Pau Cubarsí, allowing Mikel Merino to score in the 86th minute.
- Courtois reportedly felt he could continue despite a twinge in his leg.
- Garcia said only players who are 100% fit can play.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia came under intense criticism following his side’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Spain on Friday, according to the Guardian. The backlash centred on his decision to replace first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during the match.
Courtois felt he could continue despite a twinge in his leg, the Guardian reported. However, Garcia insisted the goalkeeper was taken off because he was not fully fit, saying only players who are 100% fit can play.
Senne Lammens came on as Courtois’s replacement after 71 minutes. The substitution proved costly, as Lammens spilt a low strike by Pau Cubarsí.
The error allowed Spain substitute Mikel Merino to pounce in the 86th minute and secure a 2-1 victory, ending Belgium’s World Cup run at the quarter-final stage.
The decision has added to questions about Garcia’s future as Belgium coach, according to the Guardian, with the timing and outcome of the substitution drawing particular scrutiny.
Why it matters
Goalkeeping decisions at major tournaments can define a team's fate, and Belgium's quarter-final exit places renewed pressure on Rudi Garcia's leadership. The controversy highlights the fine margins between managing player fitness and preserving on-field stability at the highest level.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Rudi Garcia take Courtois off against Spain?
Garcia said Courtois was substituted because he was not 100% fit, insisting only fully fit players can play, even though Courtois reportedly felt he could continue despite a twinge in his leg.
How did Spain win the quarter-final?
Replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilt a low strike by Pau Cubarsí, allowing Spain substitute Mikel Merino to score in the 86th minute for a 2-1 victory.
When was Courtois substituted?
According to the Guardian, Senne Lammens came on to replace Courtois after 71 minutes.