Thibaut Courtois has backed Spain to go on and win the World Cup after they knocked his Belgium side out in the quarter-finals.
Spain went ahead after 30 minutes through Fabian Ruiz, but conceded their first goal of the tournament when Charles De Ketelaere levelled for Belgium before half-time.
Courtois, making his 115th appearance for his country, picked up an injury to his left thigh in the second half, but after receiving treatment on the pitch from Belgium’s medical staff, he was unable to continue.
Courtois was replaced by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens and was visibly upset as he was consoled by Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia before he made his way to the bench.
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And the 34-year-old then had to watch from the bench as Lammens made an error for Spain’s winner in the 88th minute, spilling Pau Cubarsi’s effort which then fell to Mikel Merino, who found the net from close range.
Spain now advance to the last four where they will take on France in a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which Spain won 2-1.
Speaking after Belgium’s defeat, Courtois insisted that Spain versus France is the de facto final, but tipped Luis de la Fuente’s side to emerge victorious and go on to win their second World Cup.
‘The winner of the semi-final between France and Spain will become the world champion,’ the Real Madrid goalkeeper said.
‘Spain are the favourites overall. They are a team that can beat France or anyone else, and they are proving it on the pitch.
‘We gave them a good game and put up a much bigger fight than people expected.’
On his side’s run to the last eight, Courtois added: ‘We proved that we have a good team. Perhaps in terms of individual quality we are slightly below the 2018 squad, but we have an excellent collective, a wonderful team spirit, and immense talent up front.
‘At the end of the day, we are a small country; players like Lamine Yamal don’t appear every day. But we have a great team and a strong core.
‘We will continue to make our mark in major tournaments, even though many people doubted us.’
Courtois also insisted that he had made no decisions over his international future, but said he would like to take a ‘break’ from the national team after the World Cup.
‘As for my future with the national team, we’ll see,’ he added.
‘I’d perhaps like to take a break from the Nations League, as it’s not the most important thing. And maybe come back for the Euro qualifiers.
‘But ultimately, it’s a decision the football association has to make. If not, perhaps today was my last match.’
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