Thibaut Courtois has made a surprise revelation about Belgium’s World Cup exit against Spain.
The surprise package lost 2-1 in the quarter-finals, taking the European champions to their limit but ultimately falling short.
Mikel Merino scored the eventual winner, with some thanks to Senen Lammens spilling the ball into his own box.
Lammens was only on the pitch as as Courtois, the man most consider the best in the world, came off in the 71st minute.
The Real Madrid shot stopper initially went down but continued, then in the next break was called off the pitch by coach Rudi Garcia.
However, he went on to reveal that he could’ve kept playing.
Courtois says he shouldn’t have been substituted against Spain
“I felt pain from a long ball, but I kept going and made several saves,” he said. “Then I felt more pain and that’s why I stopped.
“I think I could continue, but without playing long balls. It was the manager’s decision to substitute me because I wasn’t 100%.
“I wanted to continue to see if I could hold on longer.”
He added:” I was sad to have to come off in such an important match. Spain deserved to win, but in a World Cup, anything is possible until the very end.
“Lammens is a fantastic goalkeeper with a bright future; these things can happen in football.”
Rudi Garcia defends Belgium substitutions
Garcia was later asked about the call and commented: “We didn’t want his injury to worsen.
“He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. A relapse would have been very problematic.
“I have no regrets. In a World Cup, you have to be 100 percent. I’ve never played players who weren’t in top condition.”
However, Sweden great Zlatan Ibrahimovic had another complaint, that he picked Lammens over Mike Penders.
Ibrahimovic harshly criticises Garcia
He commented: “This defeat is the coach’s fault. It was his decision that cost Belgium the match.
“Why bring on Lammens when Penders was on the bench? Just because one plays for Manchester United and the other for Strasbourg?
“You don’t choose a national team goalkeeper like that.
“Penders is much stronger. Lammens is overrated at this level. Everyone has seen it. It’s shameful.
“The national team coach and goalkeeping coach should be ashamed.
“In the first half I almost fell asleep, but in the second I actually managed to do it.”
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