Rebuilding Job Ahead
Adding to Belgium's misery, captain Youri Tielemans limped off in the warm-up with a knock, leaving the midfield short of leadership. The defeat raises urgent questions about the team's future. Reports suggest Courtois is considering a year-long break from international football to focus on club duties, a move that would complicate the rebuild under coach Domenico Tedesco.
"You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season," Courtois said of Lammens, offering a glimpse of hope for the next generation. But for the golden generation, there will be no more World Cup sunsets.
Spain, meanwhile, march on to a semi-final clash with France, but for Belgium it is the end of an era, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
Source: The Guardian
