​Several prominent members of Belgium’s World Cup squad rallied around Senne Lammens to offer encouragement after their quarterfinal defeat to Spain. For much of the match, star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acted as Belgium’s last line of defense, staving off the Spanish attack despite conceding to Fabian Ruiz in the 30th minute. The 34-year-old later suffered a muscle injury, prompting head coach Rudi Garcia to replace him with Lammens for the final 20 minutes or so at Los Angeles Stadium.
Lammens, who had stepped in admirably for the most part, ultimately conceded a goal to Mikel Merino in the 88th minute, effectively dashing Belgium’s hopes of lifting a major international trophy. After the final whistle, the 24-year-old appeared deeply distraught, wandering around the goalmouth as his teammates began to reckon with their exit from the World Cup.
Given the heartbreak of Belgium’s exit at the hands of Spain, Courtois said he did everything possible to console Lammens in the wake of the defeat, acknowledging the immense weight of expectation on both him and the national team. “And Senne, obviously, I gave him a big hug,” Courtois explained, referring to the injury that sidelined him. “Not more I can do at the moment. For a goalkeeper, this is a tough feeling. He’s a great goalkeeper. He will only get stronger from this. It’s not a problem.” While recognizing his own status as a senior figure in the squad, Courtois conceded there was only so much he could say to the 24-year-old as he processes such a devastating moment.
“I can’t say much more to him after this,” the Real Madrid star admitted. “Or much more advice. He’s a strong guy. He has a strong personality. I’m sure he will be fine. He will have some holidays. He will regroup in Manchester. And he will have a great season. I never doubt that.” Belgian defender Brandon Mechele likewise called the experience a “learning moment” for Lammens, who was making his World Cup debut, and suggested the defensive line in front of the 24-year-old could have performed better to prevent Spain’s decisive goal.
“It wasn’t the easiest ball,” Mechele explained in English. “I think it bounces just in front of him. We as defenders could also help him by tracking runs more closely. He needs to learn from this. We as a group have to be there for each other and support one another.” Although Mechele did not name Lammens directly, head coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged that soccer matches are decided by fine margins and noted that younger players will understand this reality with more experience.
“But it’s also a situation that was unfavorable for us to reach the semi-finals against a team of this caliber,” Garcia said during his post-match press conference, speaking in French. The setback highlighted the delicate balance of execution and luck at the highest level, and the team’s leaders emphasized supporting the 24-year-old goalkeeper as he processes the loss and looks ahead to future opportunities.