THIBAUT COURTOIS was fit enough to carry on playing for Belgium against Spain before his substitution cost them the game.
The former ‘stopper was hooked on 71 minutes when it seemed a quad or thigh injury was making goal kicks impossible.
Thibaut Courtois cried when he was subbed off and then sat through his side’s collapseCredit: Refer to source
The 34-year-old broke down in tears as he exited the pitch and, with just two minutes left, replacement fluffed his only line and allowed Mikel Merino to score the late winner.
In the post-match mix-zone Courtois explained that only kicks were a problem and – if a team-mate could have helped out – he could have carried on blocking shots.
He explained: “I feel sad, I was feeling good, I felt like I could stop Spain.
“I took a goal kick and I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps.
“I informed the coaching staff that I felt pain when taking long goal kicks, I had no problem with staying in goal though.
“In the end the manager decided to take me off, this is no problem as the team goes above everything.”
“Senne Lammens is a fantastic goalkeeper with a bright future. This moment will make him stronger.”
Courtois refused to blame Man United ‘keeper Lammens or manager Rudi Garcia.
The Belgium goalkeeper needed medical attention on the pitch and was withdrawn Credit: Alamy
But ruthless Sweden legend slammed the manager for sending Lammens on instead of 20-year-old Chelsea-owned back-up Mike Penders.
Ibra growled: “I’m putting that loss, and that mistake, directly on the coach.
“That was a decision that cost them the game.
“How do you take Courtois off and bring on Lammens from , when you have Penders sitting right there on the bench?
“Is it just because Lammens plays for Man United and Penders was at Strasbourg?
“That can’t be how you pick a goalkeeper for your national team.
“Look at what happened right after. That mistake from Lammens is what allowed Merino to score the winner for Spain.
“One wrong call in goal, and the whole match flipped.
“Lammens is not a good enough goalkeeper at this level. He’s overrated.
“Penders is the better keeper, and everyone could see it.
“It’s embarrassing. Shame on the head coach, and shame on the Belgian goalkeeping coach for getting that so wrong.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
