Courtois substitution against Spain was Garcia's decision, Belgium physio reveals

Courtois sub against Spain was Garcia's call, not medical

Thibaut Courtois did not ask to come off. Belgium's physio James van Gemert has broken his silence on the World Cup substitution against Spain: "We had not advised that" (2) (4). It was Rudi Garcia's decision alone. Senne Lammens replaced Courtois in that match, a moment that sparked questions ever since. Now the physio's words make it plain, the goalkeeper was not injured.

Allegri calls De Bruyne "an extraordinary footballer"

Massimiliano Allegri is the new Napoli manager, and he has already namechecked Kevin De Bruyne. "An extraordinary footballer," Allegri said, while also speaking warmly about Romelu Lukaku (1). The comments will fuel talk about both Belgians' futures in Naples. De Bruyne's contract situation and Lukaku's loan status make this one to watch.

Balogun admits USA were rattled before Belgium clash

Folarin Balogun has opened up about the chaos before Belgium knocked the United States out of the World Cup (3). "It was difficult, a lot of outside noise," Balogun said, referencing the controversy around his overturned red card suspension. Belgium exploited the turbulence and won the round of 16 tie comfortably.