Perched on a hill, it gleams under the sun, surrounded by a subtle air of sadness that seems to envelop it like a halo. The intricate carvings and faces adorning its sides tell stories of legends: Davor Šuker, Preben Elkjær, Ferenc Puskás, and even the worn visage of Danny Mills, almost erased by years of tourists seeking luck. This is the sound of the End Of The Golden Generation Klaxon, echoing mournfully as Belgium’s finest bid farewell following their quarter-final defeat to Spain in Los Angeles. However, this lament has been lingering in the background for some time.
The Red Devils’ peak moment was likely in 2018, when a formidable lineup featuring De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois was supported by Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Kompany, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Hazard, Carrasco, Mertens, and Dembélé. The symbolism of the failed torch-passing was palpable as Courtois, visibly upset, exited the field due to injury during the second half at SoFi Stadium. His replacement, Senne Lammens, struggled and inadvertently assisted Mikel Merino in scoring the decisive goal for Spain. Courtois expressed his support for Lammens, stating, “I gave him a big hug. He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this,” He added, “Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine. You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”
Belgium faces a significant rebuilding phase, complicated further by reports suggesting that Courtois is considering taking a year off from international duty before rejoining the squad for the Euro 2028 qualifiers. In contrast, Spain now looks ahead to a semi-final clash with France. “They’ll be just as worried as we are,” proclaimed Luis de la Fuente, perhaps slightly misinterpreted in translation.
UPCOMING MATCHES
Scott Murray will provide updates at 10pm BST/5pm EST/7am AEST for the England vs. Norway match, which ended 1-1 (7-6 on penalties). Following that, join Ella Brockway at 2am BST/9pm EST/11am AEST for the thrilling conclusion between Argentina and Switzerland, which ended 3-2.
In case you haven’t heard, there’s now a TikBook account dedicated to all things related to Big Website sports. If you’re on TikBook, you know what to do.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We have chosen the name vozinha in honour of Vozinha … who played a prominent role in his country’s World Cup debut against the Reds. The colouration of the species is intended as a tribute to that achievement”
said Spanish biologist and football enthusiast Jesús Ortea, who named a newly discovered sea snail species after the Cape Verde keeper, who thwarted the European champions in their opening GWC game. The tiny, bright red mollusc has been designated Aldisa vozinha, discovered in the Caribbean.
FAN LETTERS
“I can only hope that when Jürgen Klopp flew Team Mbappé around for what turned out to be no good reason, he at least booked the flight on Trivago,” wrote Scott Pratt.
“As the Bayeux Tapestry was being unloaded at the British Museum in the dead of night, I couldn’t help thinking ‘it’s coming home.’ An omen perhaps? 1,000 years of hurt?” mused Allastair McGillivray.
If you have any thoughts to share, please send them to the.boss@. Today’s prizeless letter of the day goes to Allastair McGillivray. You can find the terms and conditions for our competitions here.
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