Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:53am on 11 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports
Belgium captain and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed heartbreak after a costly late mistake contributed to his team's 2-1 defeat against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Courtois was forced off injured late in the match, and replacement goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a shot, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to score the decisive winner in the 88th minute. Courtois admitted the loss was painful, saying the team had fought hard but small moments decided the contest. Spain advanced to the semi-finals, while Belgium's impressive World Cup journey came to a disappointing end. (PC: AFP)
