Rudi Garcia faced intense criticism for substituting his injured first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain on Friday, intensifying doubts about the coach’s future.
Courtois believed he could carry on despite a minor leg twinge, but Garcia insisted he come off because he was not fully fit. Senne Lammens entered as his replacement in the 71st minute but fumbled a low effort from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Spain substitute Mikel Merino to react in the 86th minute and seal a 2-1 victory.
Garcia’s insistence on taking off Courtois drew fierce criticism from Belgian pundits, such as commentator Peter Vandenbempt. “You substitute the best goalkeeper on the planet during a World Cup quarter-final because he can no longer hit long passes … astonishing! I simply cannot comprehend it,” he said on Belgian radio. “The only explanation is that Garcia clings to rigid dogma. Not completely fit? Then you’re out. But surely someone like Courtois understands his own capabilities?”
The Belgian head coach was clear about his philosophy, however. “Since the start of the World Cup, I have said that only players who are 100 per cent physically ready are allowed to feature. That applies to Thibaut as well. We relied on his long distribution — first to Charles [De Ketelaere], then to Romelu [Lukaku]. We did not want his injury to worsen. So, I have no regrets about replacing him.”
Mikel Merino nets Spain’s winner after Belgian keeper Senne Lammens spilled the ball. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images
Garcia’s decision will certainly be among the topics discussed when his contract is reviewed before it expires at the end of the month. The 62-year-old Frenchman, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2011, was appointed at the start of 2025 and charged with breathing new life into the team after Domenico Tedesco’s tenure, which was described as toxic and soulless.
Preserving their place in the top tier of the Nations League was Garcia’s first task and was achieved, as was World Cup qualification. The objective of reaching the last eight was also met, adding another tick next to the coach’s name. Garcia’s record across 20 internationals is 12 wins, six draws and two defeats.
Belgian federation officials will have to determine whether Garcia is the right person to continue as they look to construct a side capable of contending for the 2028 Euros. Numerous concerns have been raised about his tactics, substitutions and man-management style, and the disappointment of the narrow loss to Spain did little to help his case.
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Belgium endured an inconsistent World Cup, often scrambling to advance to the last eight, drawing with Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand to top their group. They pulled off a dramatic escape against Senegal in the round of 32 where Garcia had withdrawn his key players while trailing 2-0, but whether his substitutions or Senegal’s defensive mistake contributed more to their comeback is open to debate.
He can also point to highlights, however, such as their 4-1 demolition of co-hosts the USA and the introduction of players like Nathan Ngoy and Nicolas Raskin, who delivered impressive tournaments. Garcia’s substitutes contributed nine goals at this summer’s tournament – a record for any team at a men’s finals.
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