Courtois Explains Injury, Declares: "They Would Have Struggled to Score a Second Goal Against Me"

Belgium's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has shed light on the injury that forced him off the field midway through the second half of their 2-1 loss to Spain. He also asserted that he would not have conceded a second goal had he remained in the game. Furthermore, the Real Madrid shot-stopper defended his replacement, Senne Lammens, who made an error leading to Mikel Merino's late winner for "La Furia Roja."

"It hurts a little, but it is what it is. I felt something during a long ball. I thought it was just a tight muscle because I had kicked about 30 balls forward. I felt it slightly during one save, and then a stronger pain during another kick. I sat down for a moment for the doctor to check me. I wanted to continue, but the coach told me that if I wasn't 100%, he would substitute me. I told him I wasn't feeling well and couldn't kick the ball long. Despite that, I wanted to continue to see what would happen. If I didn't have to kick the ball, I could have continued. But it's no problem; the coach wants to rely on someone who is 100%. I don't expect the scans to reveal anything serious. I think I'll be ready for the start of the season in mid-August."

"It was bad luck that the ball went to Fabian Ruiz for his follow-up on the first goal. In the second half, they had more chances. However, I felt good with my saves, through balls, and Lamine Yamal's crosses. I felt it would have been very difficult for them to score a second goal against me. Lammens' mistake? It's true the pitch was very dry. Bad luck, ultimately that's football. You shouldn't crucify the boy. He's a great goalkeeper, had a great season at Manchester United, and doesn't deserve it," Courtois commented after Belgium's exit from the 2026 World Cup.