Courtois and Belgium arrive in LA with Spain quarter-final looming

Courtois: Spain quarter-final feels different

Thibaut Courtois has never faced Spain in a competitive match. Friendlies only. That changes Friday in Los Angeles. "It's a special match. I've played against them in a few friendlies, but facing them for the first time in an official match is going to be great," Courtois said (4). Belgium are one win from a World Cup semi-final.

Courtois: don't fixate on Yamal

Dani Olmo says Lamine Yamal will decide the quarter-final (6). Courtois sees it differently. "Not only on Lamine Yamal to concentrate," he warned, pointing out that Spain have threats across the pitch (10). Analyst Hein Vanhaezebrouck backs that up, claiming Spain lack world-class quality in attack despite a solid defence (16).

Training pitch rejected, FIFA intervenes

Belgium refused their assigned training pitch in LA. Holes in the surface, loose sod everywhere (11) (15). FIFA stepped in and moved the session to the LA Galaxy facility (12). Not ideal preparation 48 hours before a World Cup quarter-final.

Press conference chaos and a near-attack on Courtois

Belgium's arrival in LA was messy. The press conference with Courtois and Diego Moreira was described as chaotic (3). Spanish journalists were aggressive enough that one Belgian reporter said Courtois was nearly attacked by the Spanish press (2).

Fernandez-Pardo still angers Spain

Matias Fernandez-Pardo could have played for Spain. He chose Belgium. The Spanish FA is still furious, with Spanish media accusing him of blackmailing their federation (1). He is on Garcia's squad and may face the country he rejected on Friday.

Van der Elst's 1986 jersey, and a Vanaken wish

Leo Van der Elst, the hero of Belgium's 1986 penalty shootout win over Spain, revealed he plans to be buried in that jersey. "I'm going to wear my shirt from back then when I die, if I still fit in it anyway," he said (8). He also named Hans Vanaken as the man he wants taking a decisive penalty this time around (7).

Supercomputer says 3.6%

Opta's model gives Belgium the lowest title chance of all eight quarter-finalists: 3.6% (9). Your team are used to that role.

Record TV audience for USA win

The round-of-16 demolition of the USA set a Belgian television record (13) (14). A late-night kickoff, a 4–1 scoreline, and the whole country watching.

Garcia's halftime gamble against Senegal

Down 0–2 to Senegal at the break, Rudi Garcia made a call. He ignored outside advice, followed his own plan, and Belgium turned it around (5). That willingness to bet on himself has defined this tournament run.

Fan reactions

Fans are zeroing in on Rudi Garcia's guts. The coach subbed out Doku and De Bruyne at halftime against Senegal when your team trailed 0–2, then benched both against the USA and won 4–1 anyway. The thread is worth reading.