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Disappointment and annoyance Thibaut Courtois feels after Belgium's performance in Qatar 2022. After the team was eliminated in the group stage, the goalkeeper briefly reviewed what happened in the past weeks. He also mentioned his plans for the future with the national team.
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"In this World Cup and the European Championship, we were not ourselves, it is a bit embarrassing," admitted the Real Madrid goalkeeper to the media. In the continental championship, the 'Red Devils' topped their group with a perfect record (9 out of 9), eliminated Portugal in the round of 16, but lost to Italy in the quarterfinals, who went on to win the tournament.
Next, the Belgian goalkeeper believes that the current squad does not deserve the label of 'Golden Generation', given by experts and fans. The 'Red Devils', led by former coach Roberto Martínez (who has already left the team), were considered the favorites in several major tournaments.
"It is difficult to call ourselves the 'Golden Generation' when we don't win anything. We are not a golden generation, we are a generation with a lot of talent and great players from all over Europe. We showed in Russia 2018 that we were a Belgium team that played good football," added the 'White House' goalkeeper after the debacle.
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On the other hand, but still related to what will happen in Qatar 2022, Courtois revealed which team he will support until the end of the World Cup: "Now I will support Spain, and I also wish success to my club teammates who are still in the tournament," he said.
Courtois clarifies his future with Belgium
After the blow suffered in Qatar 2022, Thibaut knows that several of his teammates will consider their continuity with Belgium. Specifically, the goalkeeper is already thinking about the commitments of the coming year to qualify for the next European Championship and also has his sights set on the 2026 World Cup.
"We will see what happens, who will stay, who will leave. Football moves fast. In March, there are already qualifying matches for the European Championship," he said. "Yes, it is my goal (2026 World Cup). We still have a good generation and there are players who will join. I hope that when I stop playing for the 'Red Devils', it will be at a good moment, not like this," he concluded.