Schmeichel: Senne Lammens' "Unhappiness" Cost Belgium Against
According to Foxsports.
Context
Thibaut Courtois, one of football's most respected goalkeepers, played a central role in the Belgian national team, and his absence through injury was a heavy blow. His experience and skills are crucial for Belgium, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Courtois' situation will be monitored closely as his presence is vital to Belgium's tournament aspirations.
Why this matters
Thibaut Courtois' injury had a significant impact on Belgium's performance in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where the team was fighting for a place in the final. The departure of a goalkeeper as experienced and successful as Courtois, who is the historic leader in games and goals conceded by the Belgian national team, left the team vulnerable. The error by Senne Lammens, who entered the field under pressure, ended up being costly, resulting in Belgium's elimination against Spain.
Main conclusions
- Schmeichel: Senne Lammens' "Unhappiness" Cost Belgium Against.
- In the semi-final round of the 2026 World Cup, Belgium found themselves losing due to a critical error by their goalkeeper Senne Lammens, as analyzed by Peter Schmeichel.
- Thibaut Courtois remains central to Belgium's plans.
Thibaut Courtois' injury ended up being decisive for Belgium in their 2026 World Cup semi-final match against Spain, held last Friday at the Los Angeles Stadium. Courtois, the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in the history of the Belgian national team, had to leave the field in tears in the 71st minute, giving way to Senne Lammens. Before leaving, Courtois recorded four saves and conceded a goal.
Senne Lammens, coming off a great season with Manchester United where he managed eight clean sheets in 32 appearances, was praised by former United goalkeeper and FOX Sports analyst Peter Schmeichel, who said: "He literally turned our world upside down. He did an absolutely fantastic job." However, the pressure Lammens faced to replace Courtois proved difficult, and the young goalkeeper made a crucial error that allowed Mikel Merino to score the winner for Spain in the 88th minute. The goal resulted from a long-range shot by Pau Cubarsí that Lammens was unable to keep.
"He was unfortunate today," Schmeichel said. "I feel sorry for him because, of course, that Cubarsí shot is a ball that he has to handle. He can't give Mikel Merino that opportunity, and if he had, we would probably have waited another 30 minutes for this game." Schmeichel also praised the aggression of the Spanish team, who constantly put pressure on the Belgian goalkeepers before Merino managed to break through the defense and score the decisive goal.
"The way they do those five seconds of fury, the way they press," commented Schmeichel. "They really kick the ball out a lot of times, and I think maybe he just twisted something by kicking that ball, or by kicking the ball so many times." With this victory, Spain advances to a thrilling semi-final against France, which will take place at the Dallas Stadium next Tuesday, July 14th. This will be a rematch of the semi-finals of the last European Championship, which ended with Spain winning 2-1 before winning Euro 2024.
What happens next
With Belgium's elimination, attention now turns to the future of the team and preparation for the next qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup. Lammens' performance will be analyzed, especially considering his rise at Manchester United, where he had a remarkable season. Belgium will need to assess Courtois' situation and recovery, as his experience will be crucial for upcoming international challenges.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the match between Belgium and Spain?
Belgium lost to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, after a mistake by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced Thibaut Courtois due to injury.
Who confirmed Senne Lammens' unhappiness?
Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester United goalkeeper and FOX Sports analyst, commented on the unhappiness
de Lammens after the error that resulted in Spain's winning goal.
Why was Courtois' injury decisive?
The injury to Thibaut Courtois, who had to leave the field in the 71st minute, was decisive because Lammens, who replaced him, made a mistake that led to Spain's winning goal.
What changes occurred in Belgium during the match?
Thibaut Courtois was replaced by Senne Lammens due to injury, which altered the team dynamic and resulted in a crucial error that cost the game.
What was Schmeichel's reaction to Lammens' performance?
Schmeichel praised Lammens' performance before the error, but also highlighted that he should have held off Pau Cubarsí's shot to prevent Mikel Merino's opportunity.