Senne Lammens’ World Cup NIGHTMARE: Man United star gifts Spain super sub Mikel Merino late winner with howler – after Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears with injury
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Manchester United star Senne Lammens had an unforgettable World Cup experience after replacing the injured Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the World Cup match against Spain.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper showed a strong stance for Belgium by keeping the score at 1-1 despite Spain’s intense positions in the second half.
However, in the 67th minute Courtois appeared to have injured his left thigh, came down the field and caused referee Michael Oliver to bring up the second half hydration break.
He later received treatment from his team’s physiotherapists during the stoppage on the pitch.
When play restarted it looked like Courtois could continue, but immediately after the restart the 34-year-old was taken off.
The shot-stopper was quickly replaced by United star Lammens, but as Courtois came off, it became clear how injured he was as he tearfully took his place on the bench.
Thibaut Courtois was removed from Belgium’s quarter-final match against Spain due to injury.
His replacement, Senne Lammens, made a heartbreaking mistake in Mikel Merinos’ goal.
Courtois was immediately supported by his teammates and the Belgian squad.
However, the experienced star had to content himself with looking on from the sidelines as Lammens was tested repeatedly by Spain’s strongest attacking force, Lamine Yamal.
With the score tied 1-1 in the second half, Courtois may have extra time and penalties on his mind.
But in the 87th minute Lammens heartbreakingly conceded by making the first stop inside the six-yard box and Mikel Merino buried the shot into the back of the net to break the deadlock.
“You feel sorry for this man,” Guy Mowbray said in BBC commentary, adding: “The question he can never escape and we can never find the answer to is: ‘What would Courtois do?’
The Real Madrid goalkeeper felt something in his left thigh in the second half and received treatment.
Manchester United star scores a miserable figure after scoring at the worst possible time
“I think it’s always difficult for any player, but when it’s the goalkeeper you don’t exactly warm up,” Micah Richards said in the BBC’s post-match analysis. ‘He just can’t understand this; you want to see a winner or man of the world from a good combination; ‘I feel sorry for him.’
After the final whistle, Courtois was one of the first to console Lammens as Belgium had to leave.
‘I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But when the dust settled, Courtois said: “I just had no problems covering the goal on long innings.”
‘In the end the manager decided to sack me, which is fine as the team is above all else.’
Meanwhile, Spain will prepare to face World Cup favorites France after securing their second semi-final place with a 2-1 win on Friday.
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