Belgium’s illustrious generation of players made a commendable exit from the World Cup, showcasing their tenacity in North America. Under the guidance of manager Rudi Garcia, the team bounced back from a challenging group stage to deliver a formidable challenge against Spain in the quarter-finals, ultimately succumbing only after key veterans were sidelined.
In the lead-up to Friday’s match, Garcia faced difficulties in finalizing his lineup. Amadou Onana arrived at the stadium on crutches due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during the last-16 victory over the USA. Additionally, Zeno Debast was left off the roster as a disagreement arose between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness, having seen limited playtime this summer. Just moments before kick-off, disaster struck as Youri Tielemans was ruled out due to an injury sustained in warm-ups.
Returning to the squad, Jérémy Doku appeared revitalized compared to his earlier performances in the group stage. The winger thrived in his duel against Pedro Porro, exploiting gaps between the right-back and Lamine Yamal, effectively weaving through to pull Spain’s midfield out of shape.
However, Doku’s eagerness to attack left him exposed when Spain surged forward. Maxim De Cuyper, tasked with marking Yamal, could not prevent Porro from sending in a cross after a hydration break, leading to Fábian Ruiz scoring.
Spain began to dominate possession, skillfully evading Belgium’s attempts at defense. Yet, Belgium refused to fade into the background.
After a standout performance in the last 16, Charles De Ketelaere demonstrated his development from training alongside Romelu Lukaku. In the 39th minute, the Atalanta forward fell as Aymeric Laporte impeded his efforts on a throw-in near Belgium’s attacking zone. Shortly after, the ball returned to Belgium’s right side, where De Bruyne delivered a precise pass to Timothy Castagne, who crossed it to De Ketelaere. The forward deftly headed the ball past Pau Cabarsí, marking Belgium’s first shot on target and leveling the score.
Despite Spain quickly reestablishing their hold on the match, Belgium found opportunities through Doku’s dribbles. Although Doku appeared to be recovering from an earlier respiratory infection, his movements created openings for De Cuyper and other midfielders. Belgium nearly took the lead when Doku executed a give-and-go with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot found De Cuyper, who was unable to finish.
Garcia’s team exhibited a resilience that contrasted sharply with their group stage exit in Qatar four years prior and their last-16 finish at Euro 2024. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour of ineffective play, making way for Lukaku while De Ketelaere shifted to a wider position. Axel Witsel also came on, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the field with thirty minutes remaining.
Belgium hustled to reclaim any lost ground, but gradually, the older players began to show signs of fatigue. Thibaut Courtois was crucial in goal, yet a save just before the second-half hydration break left him grimacing on the ground. After attempting to continue, he exited the match in the 71st minute, visibly emotional as fans from both sides applauded his contributions. Senne Lammens took his place.
Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, leaving the pitch after a speculative lob in the 80th minute. He received a yellow card shortly after for a careless challenge on Ferran Torres, prompting Garcia to make his last substitution to avoid further complications.
Ultimately, Lammens was unable to fend off a long-range shot from Cubarsí that slipped through his grasp and back into the penalty area. Mikel Merino was quick to capitalize on the loose ball, sending Spain into their first semi-final since 2010 with a powerful finish.
While Courtois may still be present at future World Cups as a veteran, this tournament likely marks the end of the road for many members of Belgium’s most talented generation. Despite the outcome, the old guard’s spirited performance against the European champions until the final whistle reflects their enduring legacy. Although questions about past underperformance linger, Garcia’s squad displayed commendable pride until the very end.
