Belgium has stopped celebrating its 4-1 win over co-host United States and turned its focus to Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team can pull off an upset.
"Everyone on our team realises it's possible. We have a strong squad with qualities Spain will have to take into account," Courtois told reporters before training in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1 in Seattle on Monday, a win fuelled partly by anger after FIFA lifted a red-card suspension on American forward Folarin Balogun. Players celebrated with a dance linked to US President Donald Trump, who had personally asked FIFA to review the decision. Left-back Diego Moreira said the celebration was simply about the win, while Courtois said he missed the moment as he was undergoing doping control.
Belgium's road to the quarter-finals has been shaky. The team topped its group only after early stumbles against Egypt and Iran, then survived a scare against Senegal, coming from two goals down to win 3-2 in extra time on a last-minute penalty.
Spain, meanwhile, remains unbeaten and has not conceded a single goal so far in the tournament. They advanced past Portugal with a 91st-minute goal from substitute Mikel Merino.
Courtois compared the challenge to Belgium's famous 2-1 win over Brazil at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which sent them to the semi-finals. "They were favoured against us and maybe they had more individual quality. But I feel we are a great team together now, and we are fighting" he said.
He praised Spain's playing style but flagged their young winger as the biggest threat. "Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations. He's fast, agile and can beat two players if necessary" Courtois said.
Having spent 11 years in Spain playing for Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Courtois knows the team well. "Spain is my second home. I'll probably keep living there after my career ends. But at the end of the day, tomorrow's match is all about Belgium," he added.
Belgium will look to carry the momentum from their comeback win over Senegal into Friday's high-stakes clash against the tournament favourites.
