Thibaut Courtois has told Belgium to rekindle their 2018 spirit and cause a “huge upset” when they face Spain in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
Underwhelming for large parts of their group schedule, and fortunate to survive a round of 32 scare against Senegal, a fired-up Belgium team fired up their tournament with a 4-1 win over the United States in the last 16.
Holder of 114 international caps, goalkeeper Courtois admitted that Spain would start the match in Los Angeles as favourites, but recalled how Belgium shrugged off their underdogs to beat favorites Brazil at the same stage eight years ago.
Ahead of his 21st World Cup final, Courtois said: “Brazil were favored against us, and, perhaps, they had the best individual quality in the team.
“I feel we are a big team, all together now, and we are fighting. (The match) against Senegal showed our ability to keep believing until the end, and that is also a strength in the World Cup.
“It’s also good to play well, but the most important thing is to win and compete.”
