FIFA World Cup 2026: "Stars weren't aligned", Belgium coach Garcia reflects on Spain defeat in QF
California, July 11
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia said his team had nothing to be ashamed of despite their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal defeat against Spain, insisting the players could be proud of their campaign, according to The Athletic.
Speaking after Belgium's loss, Garcia said the team learned from the defeat and gained valuable experience from their World Cup journey.
"It was really simple -- that we could be proud of our World Cup. We learned through defeat. I don't think we've got anything to feel humiliated about," Garcia said after the match, as quoted by The Athletic.
Garcia also pointed to a series of setbacks during the game, including injuries to key players, which disrupted Belgium's plans against Spain.
"Unfortunately, the stars weren't aligned. We lost our keeper, our captain. We had to sub out Kevin De Bruyne and that wasn't part of the game plan. There were too many things. The ducks weren't in a row," he added, according to The Athletic.
Garcia defended his decision to substitute goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during clash against Spain, saying the move was made to protect the player from further injury.
Courtois was forced off in the 71st minute of Belgium's quarter-final clash against Spain after appearing to suffer an injury, with Senne Lammens replacing him between the posts.
Garcia said players competing at the highest level must be fully fit and focused, and that Courtois was not at 100 per cent during the match.
"It's part and parcel of high-level sport. You need to be 100 per cent focused and able to perform. From the beginning of the World Cup I didn't want to have players who weren't 100 per cent, and that was the case for Thibaut," Garcia said after the match, as quoted by The Athletic.
The Belgium coach praised Courtois' contribution but said his injury forced the team to make a change.
"He was excellent across the board, especially with long balls. We didn't want his injury to get worse either. That's why I decided to sub him," he added.
Coming to the match, Fabian Ruiz, handed a surprise start ahead of Pedri, and substitute Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Charles De Ketelaere found the net for Belgium in a match that also saw goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois forced off with an injury.
Ruiz opened the scoring after Belgian goalkeeper Courtois parried Dani Olmo's effort into his path. Spain continued to threaten through Lamine Yamal, whose lively display earned him the Player of the Match award.
Belgium equalised just before halftime when Kevin De Bruyne released Timothy Castagne down the right, and the defender's pinpoint cross was headed home by De Ketelaere, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside.
The goal also ended Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon's remarkable run of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, surpassing the previous tournament record of 517 minutes set by Italy's Walter Zenga in 1990.
Belgium suffered a major setback in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off with an apparent injury and replaced by Senne Lammens. The substitute goalkeeper was beaten soon after when he failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort, allowing Merino, who had only recently entered the game, to pounce on the rebound and score the winner.
The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 36 matches since their defeat to Colombia, equalling Argentina's unbeaten streak between 2019 and 2022 and leaving them just one game short of Italy's world-record 37-match unbeaten run.
Spain will now face France in a highly anticipated semifinal as they continue their bid for another FIFA World Cup title.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, this was a thrilling match! Spain's depth is incredible - Fabian Ruiz stepping up and Mikel Merino scoring the winner. But I feel for Belgium, especially Courtois. He's been world-class for years. Hope he recovers fully. The semi against France will be epic!
Watching from India, I'm amazed at Spain's consistency. 36 matches unbeaten is unreal! But Garcia's point about 'ducks not in a row' is spot on - when your spine (Courtois, De Bruyne) gets injured, no team can cope. Belgium's golden generation deserved better luck. 🇪🇸⚽
Respect to Garcia for protecting Courtois from further injury. That's good management. But Belgium's defense looked shaky without him. Lammens tried his best but that rebound was unfortunate. Still, De Ketelaere's goal was a beauty - perfect header! Spain-France semi is going to be a classic.
I think Garcia's decision to sub Courtois was right - no point risking a long-term injury. But Belgium's campaign overall was impressive. They played attractive football. However, I feel they could have been more clinical in attack. Spain's midfield controlled the game, especially after De Bruyne went off. India should take notes on how Spain builds from the back! 😊
Spain's unbeaten run is phenomenal - 36 matches! They're playing like champions. But I think Garcia is being too kind. Belgium had chances but their defense was exposed. Courtois injury was a big blow, but good teams adapt. Spain's depth
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