Courtois backs Lammens to recover after costly error ends Belgium's World Cup

Senne Lammens endured a nightmare World Cup debut on Friday when the Manchester United goalkeeper fumbled a long-range Pau Cubarsi effort in the 88th minute, allowing Mikel Merino to tap in the winner as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Lammens had only entered the match in the 71st minute, replacing Thibaut Courtois — who was forced off with a muscular problem — with the score level at 1-1. Within two minutes of stoppage time, the 24-year-old’s error handed Spain their passage to the semi-finals.

Courtois was quick to offer public support to his compatriot after the final whistle. “I gave him a big hug. He’s a great goalkeeper,” the Real Madrid shot-stopper told reporters. “You only get stronger from this. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine. He will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”

Courtois also expressed frustration at his own substitution, suggesting he felt capable of continuing. “Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%,” he said. “I wanted to try to play maybe five or 10 minutes because I was feeling good. I was making saves, and I was not disturbed to make those saves. Sometimes it is what it is. You can’t change it.”

Belgium defender Brandon Mechele was measured in his assessment of the error, sharing some of the responsibility. “It’s a learning moment for him. It was not the most easy ball — I think it bounces just in front of him. We as defenders could have helped him by following up maybe more. He needs to learn from this, and we as a group we have to be there for each other.”

Lammens, who joined United from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million last summer, had to wait until October for his Premier League debut but went on to start every match after that, impressing throughout his first season at Old Trafford. He will now take a post-tournament break before returning to Carrington for pre-season.