Thibaut Courtois sends message to Senne Lammens after mistake after Belgium World Cup exit

Thibaut Courtois sent a message of support to Senne Lammens after his mistake during Belgium’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper suffered 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.

The injury was an additional blow for Belgium as their captain, Youri Tielemans, was ruled out of the game after suffering a hamstring injury in the warm-up.

Lammens then made an error for Spain’s winner in the 88th minute as he spilled Pau Curbasi’s effort which then fell to Mikel Merino, who found the net from close range.

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Speaking after Belgium’s World Cup exit, Courtois insists the mistake will make Lammens a better goalkeeper.

‘It is a shame that Senne just couldn’t catch that ball, but that’s football’ Courtois said.

‘Mike [Penders], Guy [Martens] and I went to give him a hug.

‘You can’t say much at that moment. It’s just a shame, but Senne is an excellent goalkeeper. He has a bright future ahead of him, and moments like that make you stronger. It shouldn’t be blamed on him. It’s part of football.’

When asked about his injury, Courtois said: ‘It is a shame to be taken off in such a special match.

‘I felt good and wanted to stay on the pitch. I had indicated that I could no longer kick long balls.

‘I could have stayed on the pitch, but the coach wanted to make a substitution because I was not fully fit. The team comes first.’

Spain will now play France in the World Cup semi-final on July 14.

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