Belgium's so-called golden generation came to an end on Friday as they lost 2-1 to Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium. The defeat marks the likely final tournament for several members of Belgium's most talented cohort, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against the European champions.
The match was marred by injuries for Belgium. Amadou Onana was on crutches after tearing his ACL in the last-16 win over the USA. Zeno Debast was omitted due to a fitness dispute between Belgium and Sporting. Just before kick-off, Youri Tielemans was scratched after suffering an injury in the warm-up. Most crucially, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois exited in the 71st minute with a hip injury, leaving the field in tears.
Belgium Fights Back After Early Setback
Jérémy Doku returned to the lineup and looked lively, exploiting space against Pedro Porro. However, his proactiveness left him exposed when Spain attacked directly. After the hydration break, Porro crossed for Fábian Ruiz to head Spain into the lead.
Belgium refused to fold. In the 39th minute, Charles De Ketelaere fell as Aymeric Laporte slowed play, but two minutes later, Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne, whose cross was headed home by De Ketelaere for the equalizer—Belgium's first shot on target.
Old Guard Battles but Injuries Take Toll
Belgium's resolve was stronger than in previous tournaments, where they exited in the group stage in 2022 and the last 16 in Euro 2024. Leandro Trossard was replaced after an ineffective hour, with Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel joining the fray. All four veterans of the 2014 World Cup squad were on the pitch with half an hour to go.
However, the old guard looked overrun as Spain reasserted dominance. Courtois' injury forced a 71st-minute substitution for Senne Lammens. Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, receiving a yellow card for a clumsy challenge before being substituted.
Merino's Late Winner Sends Spain to Semis
With Courtois off, Spain capitalized. Pau Cubarsí took a speculative shot from outside the box, which Lammens spilled. Mikel Merino was quickest to the loose ball, powering it home to send Spain to their first semi-final since 2010.
Belgium's golden generation fought valiantly, but the defeat confirms the end of an era. Manager Rudi Garcia said, "The players gave everything, but injuries at key moments made it difficult. I'm proud of their effort." The result does little to dispel past criticisms of underperformance, but Garcia's men exited with dignity.
