Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke about his injury that forced him to be substituted during Belgium Red Devils’ 2-1 FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain, while also addressing his future with the national team, www.aclsports.com reports.
The shot-stopper was forced off midway through the second half after feeling something in his leg while taking a long goal kick but said he initially believed he could continue.
“I took a long goal kick at the beginning of the second half and felt a little more pain in my quadriceps,” Courtois said. “I wanted to stay on, but in the end it’s the coach’s decision. He wanted only players who were 100% fit. I still felt good in goal. The only problem was kicking long.”
Courtois admitted leaving the field in a World Cup quarter-final was heartbreaking.
“The tears were out of frustration because I had to leave such an important match through injury. But those are the coach’s decisions.”
He also backed substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who came under scrutiny after Mikel Merino’s winning goal for Spain.
“I gave him a big hug. It’s a terrible feeling for a goalkeeper, but he’s a great goalkeeper and he’ll only become stronger because of this. He’s mentally strong, and I’m sure he’ll return to Manchester and have a great season.”
Courtois revealed he is considering taking a break from international football after the World Cup before deciding on his long-term future with Belgium.
“I’d like to take a break from the Nations League and perhaps return for the European Championship qualifiers. If they don’t see things that way, then I’ll have to think carefully about whether I can continue. Otherwise, today may have been my last match.”
Despite Belgium’s elimination, the Real Madrid goalkeeper said the tournament had reignited his enjoyment of international football.
“I’ve been very happy during this tournament. These six weeks flew by because I enjoyed every moment. Maybe now I’m leaning more towards continuing than not, but we’ll discuss it before making a final decision.”
Courtois also praised Spain’s performance, tipping them to go all the way.
“Spain can absolutely win the World Cup. They have a great team, and I believe the winner of that semi-final will become world champions.”
The 33-year-old also defended Belgium’s so-called golden generation, insisting the team’s achievements should not be judged solely by trophies.
“People say the golden generation didn’t win anything, but we’re Belgium. We’re not England, Spain or France. We’re a country of fewer than 12 million people, and we’ve consistently challenged the world’s best. We can be proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Looking ahead, Courtois expressed confidence that Belgium’s next generation can continue competing among football’s elite.
“We have a strong collective, a great spirit and many young talents coming through. I believe Belgium will eventually have its chance to win a major tournament.”
Courtois’ focus now turns to assessing the extent of his injury and deciding the next step in his international career after Belgium’s World Cup exit.
