Belgium surged into the knockout stage of the World Cup with a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, securing first place in Group G and silencing, at least for now, the fierce criticism that had been mounting following a shaky start in the group phase. However, neither the impressive result nor the status of group leaders convinces Thibaut Courtois, who poured cold water on national and international enthusiasm by stating that the “Red Devils” are still far from being favorites to win the most coveted trophy in world football.
The Belgian national team, arriving at this final group stage match under intense pressure, was compelled to respond on the field after disappointing draws against Egypt and Iran. The emphatic victory over New Zealand dispelled doubts regarding qualification, but did not erase the criticisms of the team’s inconsistent performances. Courtois, goalkeeper for Real Madrid and now the record holder for most caps in World Cup finals for Belgium, did not hide his relief, but maintained a cautious stance. “We knew there were criticisms,” acknowledged the keeper, explaining that the locker room was well aware of the widespread discontent. “It’s normal, because we didn’t play well against Egypt and then we missed too many opportunities against Iran. That made the last game a do-or-die situation. I think we responded well and now we can focus on the next challenge.”
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The victory against New Zealand served to restore confidence in the group, but Courtois did not let himself be carried away by enthusiasm and sought to temper expectations surrounding the Belgian national team. “No, I don’t think we can win the World Cup at this moment,” he stated bluntly, emphasizing that “we have to be realistic. I think we are still far from being one of the favorites. Only when you reach the semifinals can you start talking about winning. Before that, it is impossible.” These words, spoken after the final whistle, echo a sentiment of humility and a cold assessment of Belgium’s current situation, contrasting with the optimism that usually surrounds the team at this stage of the competition.
The importance of these statements is undeniable. Belgium, which reached the semi-finals and secured third place in 2018 – the best record in its history – now faces even greater scrutiny, being seen as a golden generation that may be losing its luster. Courtois even admitted that “we do not have the same level of quality that we had in 2018, but we still have a very good team.” This analysis, coming from one of the key figures in the locker room, makes it clear that the group itself remains grounded, refusing to succumb to premature euphoria.
For the experienced goalkeeper, the immediate goal is to reach the quarter-finals, a stage that could serve as a springboard for greater heights. “If we reach the quarter-finals, then we have a good opportunity and anything can happen in football,” Courtois stated, emphasizing that “we can compete with any team in the world and make life difficult for them. Whether that will be enough to win the tournament, only time will tell.”
On an individual level, the match against New Zealand had a special significance for Courtois, who surpassed Enzo Scifo to become the Belgian player with the most appearances in World Cup finals, reaching his 18th international cap in these competitions. The 34-year-old goalkeeper did not hide his pride in the achievement: “I am very proud. I will probably never catch up with Jan Vertonghen or Romelu Lukaku in total matches for the national team, so being the Belgian with the most games in World Cups is something very special. Everyone in the group feels good and we hope to go as far as possible. But now the real tournament begins.”
Belgium is thus preparing to enter the round of 16 under a cloud of moderate expectations, but with confidence bolstered by their recent result and the accumulated experience of their key players. The coming weeks will determine whether Courtois’s call for caution will serve as an extra motivation or if it will be the prelude to yet another disappointment for a generation still seeking to cement its legacy. The challenge is set, and the eyes of the world will be on the Red Devils, who now have the opportunity to prove on the pitch whether humility is merely a strategy or a true reflection of Belgian reality.
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