Thibaut Courtois sees Belgium getting better at World Cup and believes they can beat Spain

LOS ANGELES – Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says his Belgium team can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset Spain in their July 10 quarter-final after finally beginning to show some form.

“Everyone on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have a strong squad with qualities that Spain will have to take into account,” the 34-year-old told reporters ahead of training on July 8.

“There are surprises in every tournament... the Champions League, the Europa League, the World Cup.

“There are always surprises and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is there,” he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in Seattle on July 6.

Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings by beating New Zealand 5-1 in their last fixture, after being held by Egypt and Iran.

They then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.

“People were a bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession and when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned them a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in added time on July 6.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois.

“We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations. He’s fast, agile and can beat two players if necessary.”

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo said compatriot and club teammate Yamal, who is still regaining sharpness after a hamstring injury in April, was growing into the tournament.

“He brings so much to the team with his dribbling and presence. When he receives the ball, two or three opposing players close in on him, which opens up space,” he said.

“Lamine scores and assists – he’s always done that in his short career – and even when he doesn’t, he’ll keep helping us with the work he’s doing.”

While 18-year-old attacker Yamal is La Roja’s star man, Spain’s watertight defence has yet to concede at the tournament.

In beating Portugal 1-0, Luis de la Fuente’s men became the first team in history to record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets.

Spain have not shown the attacking flair of France, but they are playing the careful, possession-based football that took them to glory in South Africa in 2010.

But the brutal truth is that Spain do not need to score many goals to win – they have conceded just six shots on target in their five matches so far.

“We are a team where everyone attacks and everyone defends,” said Olmo, 28. “The coach says the No. 9 is the first to defend and the others follow suit.

“The defensive line has been spectacular, it’s a historic milestone. We’re happy for (goalkeeper) Unai (Simon). If we keep a clean sheet, we’re closer to winning.”

Courtois, rated among the best goalkeepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat, having played at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years – that’s a long time, of course. Life runs on a slightly later schedule there and the weather is better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian but at the end of the day, tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added. REUTERS, AFP