Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has delivered a strong response following his side’s emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, accusing the Americans of showing disrespect in the build-up to the match.
Speaking after Belgium secured their place in the quarter-finals, Courtois said the team had used the criticism and comments from the American camp, specifically when the US through their president, appealed an earlier red card that was given to one of their attackers, Folarin Balogun which made the player eligible to play in the match against Belgium. To Courtois, the Belgium players used that as extra motivation.
“We have punished the disrespect that the Americans have shown us in the last few days,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper said after the match.
Courtois also revealed that he was more confident about defeating the United States than Belgium’s earlier encounter with Senegal, a team he believes posed a much greater challenge.
“I was way more confident that we’d beat USA than I was of beating Senegal, simply because Senegal are a much better team than the USA,” he added.
The victory continues Belgium’s impressive World Cup campaign and sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with Spain.
The Red Devils have shown resilience throughout the tournament, combining attacking quality with defensive solidity as they pursue a first World Cup title.
Courtois’ remarks also highlighted the respect he has for Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest football nations.
The Teranga Lions pushed Belgium hard earlier in the competition and earned praise from several opponents despite their eventual elimination.
Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States was one of the most convincing performances of the Round of 16 and reinforced their status as serious contenders for the trophy.
The result ended the Americans’ World Cup journey, while Belgium advanced with growing confidence ahead of their showdown with Spain.
