Belgium's Goalkeeping Woes: Courtois Contemplates Retirement After Lammens' Mistake

WHO:

The New York Times - Amadou Onana suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prior to the match against Spain.

The New York Times - Youri Tielemans limped out of the warm-up before the match against Spain due to a hamstring injury.

The New York Times - Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Spain's Mikel Merino, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.

Yahoo Sports - Senne Lammens, Thibaut Courtois.

NDTV Sports - Senne Lammens, Mikel Merino.

WHAT:

The New York Times - Courtois has been capped 115 times by Belgium.

Yahoo Sports - Lammens made a total of two saves during the match against Spain.

The New York Times - Belgium lost to Spain 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The New York Times - Courtois was substituted in the 71st minute due to a leg muscle injury.

Yahoo Sports - Lammens made his World Cup debut and had a pass percentage of 54%.

NDTV Sports - Lammens allowed a rebound from a shot by Pau Cubarsi, leading to Merino's winning goal in the 88th minute.

The New York Times - Courtois tied Manuel Neuer for the most World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper with 21.

The New York Times - Courtois has eight total clean sheets in World Cup history, ranking behind Peter Shilton and Fabien Barthez.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The match took place in Los Angeles, California.

NDTV Sports - Spain's winning goal was scored in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

WHEN:

NDTV Sports - Spain will face tournament favorite France in the semifinals on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Belgium's next Nations League match is scheduled for September 25 against Italy.

NDTV Sports - Spain will face France in the semifinals on Tuesday.

WHY:

The New York Times - Courtois expressed a desire to take a year-long sabbatical from the national side to "rest."

The New York Times - Courtois expressed a desire to take a break from international football, stating, "Perhaps today was my last match."

The New York Times - Garcia stated he did not want players on the pitch who were not 100% fit, which influenced his decision to substitute Courtois.

HOW:

The New York Times - Courtois received treatment during a hydration break before being substituted.

The New York Times - Courtois was substituted after receiving treatment for an injury sustained while saving a shot.

The New York Times - Lammens was asked to play the ball long to escape Spain's press, which contributed to his error.

In a tough blow for Belgium, Amadou Onana has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament prior to their match against Spain, while Youri Tielemans limped out of warm-ups with a hamstring injury. Spain is set to face tournament favorite France in the semifinals on Tuesday, and during the match against Spain, goalkeeper Courtois, who has been capped 115 times by Belgium, made two saves before receiving treatment and being substituted. Courtois has also expressed a desire to take a year-long sabbatical from the national team to rest.