Manchester United star Senne Lammens experienced a World Cup cameo to forget after replacing injured Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during their World Cup clash against Spain. The Real Madrid goalkeeper had been a sturdy presence between the sticks for Belgium, keeping the score level at 1-1 despite a flurry of Spanish chances in the second-half. But in the 67th minute, Courtois appeared to suffer an injury in his left thigh, going down to the turf and prompting referee Michael Oliver to bring up the second-half hydration break. He later received treatment from his side’s physios during the stoppage on the pitch. Courtois appeared to be fine to continue when play resumed, but just moments after the restart, the 34-year-old was swapped out. The shot-stopper was quickly replaced by United star Lammens, but as Courtois came off, the degree to which he was hurt became clear as he took his place on the bench in floods of tears.
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Thibaut Courtois was beside himself after he was forced off due to injury in Belgium’s quarter-final clash with Spain His replacement Senne Lammens was heartbreakingly at fault for Mikel Merino’s goalCourtois was immediately supported by his team-mates and members of Belgium’s set-up. But the veteran star was forced to content himself with a view from the sidelines as Lammens was tested again and again by Spain’s most potent attacking force, Lamine Yamal. With the score tied at 1-1 deep in the second-half, Courtois’ mind may well have been on the possibility of extra-time and penalties to come. But in the 87th minute, Lammens conceded in heartbreaking fashion as he spilled an initial stop in the six-yard box – leaving Mikel Merino to bury the shot into the back of the net to break the deadlock. ‘You feel for the fellow,’ Guy Mowbray said on BBC commentary, before adding: ‘The question he will never escape, and that we will never have an answer to is, “what would Courtois have done?”‘ The Real Madrid goalkeeper felt something in his left thigh and received treatment in the second-half The Manchester United star cut a miserable figure after conceding at the worst possible time’I think it’s always difficult for any player, but when it’s a goalkeeper, you’re not fully warm,’ Micah Richards noted in BBC’s post-match analysis. ‘He just can’t get hold of it – you want to see a winner from good combination, or a worldie – I feel bad for him.’ After the final whistle, Courtois was one of the first to comfort Lammens as Belgium were forced to contend with their exit. ‘I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem with staying in goal though, only for long kicks,’ Courtois explained when the dust settled.’In the end the manager decided to take me off, this is no problem as the team goes above everything.’Speaking after the match, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia clarified: ‘It’s part of high level sport. You need to be 100 per cent focused and able to perform for these type of games. ‘From the beginning of the World Cup I didn’t want players who weren’t 100 per cent. He was excellent across the board, including the long balls, that helped us get up the pitch, and make changes. We didn’t want his injury to worsen either so I decided to sub him.’What is important this evening is that he has a muscular injury. He’s had niggles and injuries. He’s one of the great goalkeepers. Not having him at 100 per cent was a hard hit to take. ‘When you start racking up the years you need to be at 100 per cent because if not if youre injured a lot, not training, falling into injury, that’s problematic. That doesn’t take away that he’s a great goalkeeper.’Spain meanwhile will prepare to meet World Cup favourites France after securing the second semi-final spot with Friday’s 2-1 win. How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE