Courtois supports Lamens

Los Angeles – AFP – Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed his support for his compatriot Seny Laminas on Friday, after a costly error in the final minutes by the Manchester United goalkeeper handed Spain a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Courtois, the Real Madrid star, left the pitch in the 71st minute after complaining of a muscle issue in his left thigh, paving the way for 24-year-old substitute Laminas. However, Laminas’s appearance ended in disaster when he failed to handle a long-range shot from Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí. The ball slipped through his hands and fell to Arsenal’s English striker Mikel Merino, who scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.

Courtois, who told reporters he had wanted to stay on the field before being substituted, showed empathy for Laminas.

“I hugged him tightly. He is a wonderful goalkeeper. You come out stronger from moments like these,” he said.

He added, “In the end, you can’t say too much to him or offer more advice. He is a strong person with a strong character. I am confident he will be fine. He will take some time off, then return to Manchester and deliver a great season.”