Belgium coach Garcia's tenure in doubt after Courtois substitution

ATLANTA, July 11 : Belgium coach Rudi Garcia came under a barrage of fire for replacing first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain, adding to questions about his future.

Courtois felt he could continue despite a twinge in his leg, but Garcia insisted he come off as he was not 100 per cent fit.

Senne Lammens went on as his replacement after 71 minutes but spilt a low strike by Pau Cubarsi, allowing Spain substitute Mikel Merino to pounce in the 86th minute and secure a 2-1 victory on Friday.

Garcia’s insistence on taking off Courtois attracted the ire of Belgian analysts, like commentator Peter Vandenbempt.

"You substitute the best goalkeeper in the world during a World Cup quarter-final because he can no longer kick long balls... astonishing! I simply cannot fathom it," he said on Belgian radio.

“The only explanation is that Garcia clings to rigid principles. Not 100 per cent fit? Then you're out. But surely someone like Courtois knows what he is and isn't capable of?"

Garcia, however, explained his philosophy clearly.

“Since the start of the World Cup, I’ve said that only players who are 100 per cent physically fit are allowed to play. That applies to Thibaut as well. We needed his long balls — first to Charles (De Ketelaere), then to Romelu (Lukaku). We didn't want Thibaut’s injury to get worse. So, I have no regrets about the decision to substitute him.”

Garcia’s decision is sure to be among the issues discussed when his contract is reviewed before the end of the month, when his deal expires.

The 62-year-old Frenchman, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2011, was appointed at the start of 2025 and tasked with breathing new life into the team after the tenure of Domenico