Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens endured a nightmare World Cup debut, his late mistake handing Spain a 2-1 victory and eliminating Belgium from the quarter-finals in Los Angeles. The error came after Thibaut Courtois was forced off in tears due to a thigh injury.
Courtois Injury Forces Early Substitution
Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid and Belgium No. 1, collapsed in the 67th minute clutching his left thigh in the sweltering heat. After attempting to continue, the 34-year-old was withdrawn in the 72nd minute, replaced by Manchester United's Senne Lammens. Courtois was visibly distraught, requiring comfort from Belgium's backroom staff as he left the pitch, likely marking his final World Cup appearance.
Lammens' Fatal Fumble
With the score tied 1-1, Spain pushed for a winner. Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi unleashed a tame long-range effort that Lammens attempted to gather, but the ball bounced off his chest and fell to Mikel Merino, who fired into the roof of the net in the 89th minute. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy commented on BBC commentary: "Lammens has had a brilliant season at Manchester United, but he is arguably replacing the best goalkeeper in the world. Huge boots to fill."
Match Flow and Aftermath
Spain took the lead through Fabian Ruiz in the 30th minute, but Charles de Ketelaere equalised for Belgium in the 41st minute. Merino's winner sent Spain to a semi-final clash with France. Belgium will rue Courtois' absence, as ex-Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta noted: "Spain were in control... Even when Belgium got the equaliser, they felt calm and kept playing their game."
