FOOTBALL – Belgium coach Rudi Garcia came under a barrage of fire for replacing first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain, adding to questions about his future.
Courtois felt he could continue despite a twinge in his leg, but Garcia insisted he come off as he was not 100% fit.
Senne Lammens went on as his replacement after 71 minutes but spilt a low strike by Pau Cubarsi, allowing Spain substitute Mikel Merino to pounce in the 86th minute and secure a 2-1 victory on Friday.
Garcia’s insistence on taking off Courtois attracted the ire of Belgian analysts, like commentator Peter Vandenbempt.
“You substitute the best goalkeeper in the world during a World Cup quarter-final because he can no longer kick long balls... astonishing! I simply cannot fathom it,” he said on Belgian radio.
“The only explanation is that Garcia clings to rigid principles. Not 100% fit? Then you’re out. But surely someone like Courtois knows what he is and isn’t capable of?”
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