Belgium’s esteemed football generation left a commendable mark during their North American farewell, showing grit and determination. Under the guidance of manager Rudi Garcia, the team overcame a challenging group stage to deliver a fierce challenge to Spain in the quarter-finals, ultimately exiting the tournament due to the absence of key veteran players.
Complications arose in the lead-up to the match, with Garcia struggling to finalize his lineup. Amadou Onana arrived at the stadium using crutches, having sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the last-16 victory over the USA. Meanwhile, Zeno Debast was left out of the squad as Belgium and Sporting could not agree on his fitness, and just before kick-off, a significant setback occurred as Youri Tielemans was removed from the teamsheet due to injury during warm-ups.
Jérémy Doku made a return to the starting XI and appeared much more dynamic compared to his previous performances in the group stage. He thrived in his duel against Pedro Porro, finding spaces to gather the ball between the right-back and Lamine Yamal, before skillfully penetrating the channels to stretch Spain’s midfield.
Sadly, Doku’s aggressiveness led him to be a step behind Porro when Spain executed their most direct play. With Maxim De Cuyper marking Lamine Yamal, Doku was unable to halt Porro as he prepared to deliver a cross following the hydration break. Shortly thereafter, Fábian Ruiz found the back of the net.
Spain began to dominate possession, skillfully bypassing Belgium’s defenders before exploiting the available space. Nevertheless, Belgium refused to be mere spectators in the match.
Displaying the benefits of training alongside Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice in the last 16, showcased his improved approach. In the 39th minute, the Atalanta forward was brought down by Aymeric Laporte while attempting to set up a throw-in near Belgium’s attacking third. Moments later, the ball returned to Belgium’s right side as De Bruyne delivered a precise pass to Timothy Castagne. Castagne’s cross found a diving De Ketelaere, who expertly headed the ball into the net for an equalizer, marking Belgium’s first shot on target.
Despite Spain quickly regaining control, Belgium capitalized on Doku’s dribbling prowess. Although the Manchester City winger struggled to find his rhythm, potentially still feeling the effects of a recent respiratory infection, his runs created openings for De Cuyper and other midfielders. Belgium nearly scored again when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot fell to De Cuyper, who could not convert.
Garcia’s squad displayed significantly more determination than the team that was eliminated during the group stage in Qatar four years ago and the one that exited in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an unproductive hour, making way for Lukaku as De Ketelaere shifted to a wider position. Axel Witsel entered the fray simultaneously, bringing all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.
Belgium worked hard to fill any gaps left by their opponents. However, the veteran players gradually appeared to be overwhelmed. Thibaut Courtois was crucial for the team, but a save just before the second-half hydration break saw him on the ground, massaging his left hip. After attempting to continue, he needed to exit in the 71st minute, visibly emotional as both sets of fans rose to honor a contemporary great. Senne Lammens took over in goal.
Kevin De Bruyne also battled with fitness issues, leaving the pitch after a speculative lob in the 80th minute. He received a yellow card five minutes later for a reckless challenge on Ferran Torres, prompting Garcia to make his final substitution to prevent Spain from exploiting De Bruyne’s condition.
Ultimately, Lammens was unable to secure the win. Cubarsí unleashed a speculative shot from distance, which Lammens failed to hold onto, allowing the ball to rebound into the center of the box. Mikel Merino reacted quickest, pouncing on the loose ball and firing it past a kneeling Lammens, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010.
While Courtois may still participate in the next World Cup as a seasoned presence, this tournament likely marks the end of the road for many members of Belgium’s most talented generation. The veterans fought bravely, challenging the European champions until the final whistle. Though the outcome does not erase criticisms of past performances in tournaments, Garcia’s squad can take pride in their efforts until the very end.
