Belgium's Courtois backs Lammens to recover from costly World Cup blunder

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois threw his support behind Senne Lammens after the young substitute's late mistake proved decisive in Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday.

In Short

• Courtois was forced off in the 71st minute after suffering a muscular injury
• Merino scored the winner after Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi's low strike
• Belgium suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rallied behind Senne Lammens after the substitute's late error proved decisive in Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday, insisting the young goalkeeper would emerge stronger from the painful experience.

Courtois was forced off in the 71st minute at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles after suffering a muscular injury, handing Manchester United goalkeeper Lammens an unexpected opportunity in one of the biggest matches of his career. Belgium had already been dealt a setback before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up.

Lammens' evening ended in heartbreak in the 88th minute when he failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort, allowing Mikel Merino to pounce on the rebound and score the winner that sent Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France on July 14.

Despite the costly mistake, Courtois was quick to console his teammate after the final whistle.

"I gave him a big hug. He's a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this," Courtois said. Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, a strong personality. I'm sure he'll be fine.

Spain vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

"You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season."

The Real Madrid goalkeeper later stressed that Lammens should not be singled out for Belgium's elimination. "It is a shame that Senne just couldn't catch that ball, but that's football," Courtois said.

"Mike (Penders), Guy (Martens) and I went to give him a hug. You can't say much at that moment. It's just a shame, but Senne is an excellent goalkeeper. He has a bright future ahead of him, and moments like that make you stronger. It shouldn't be blamed on him. It's part of football."

COURTOIS WANTED TO STAY ON DESPITE INJURY

Courtois revealed he first felt discomfort in his leg after making a clearance early in the second half and wanted to continue despite the injury. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, however, opted to replace his first-choice goalkeeper rather than risk aggravating the problem.

"Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100 percent," Courtois said.

"I wanted to try to play maybe five or 10 minutes because I was feeling good. I was making saves, and I was not disturbed to make those saves.

"So that's a decision of the coach, and that's not a problem."

The 34-year-old admitted it was difficult to leave the pitch during such a crucial match but accepted Garcia's decision.

"Obviously you're not happy when you have to leave a quarter-final of a World Cup. But sometimes it is what it is. You can't change it."

Belgium defender Brandon Mechele also defended Lammens, saying the responsibility for the late goal did not rest solely on the goalkeeper.

"It's a learning moment for him," Mechele said.

"It was not the easiest ball. I think it bounces just in front of him. And we as defenders could have helped him by following up maybe more.

"So he needs to learn from this, and we as a group have to be there for each other and help each other."

Spain's victory sealed a place in the World Cup semi-finals against France, while Belgium were left to reflect on a campaign that ended with an agonising late mistake rather than a lack of fight.

FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News

- Ends