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France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain"> FIFA World Cup 2026: Courtois sees Belgium getting better and believes his side can beat Spain Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset ​Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal after finally beginning to show some form.“Everyone ‌on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have ​a strong squad with qualities that Spain will ⁠have to take into account,” he told reporters ahead of training on Wednesday.“There are surprises in every tournament … the Champions League, the Europa League, ‌the World Cup.“There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions ‌would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is ‌there,” ⁠he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the ⁠United States in Seattle on Monday.Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings after beating New Zealand 5-1 in its last fixture after being held ​by Egypt and Iran.The Red Devils then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.ALSO READ | France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.Published on Jul 09, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain
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France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain">FIFA World Cup 2026: Courtois sees Belgium getting better and believes his side can beat Spain

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup and upset ​Spain in Friday’s quarterfinal after finally beginning to show some form.

“Everyone ‌on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have ​a strong squad with qualities that Spain will ⁠have to take into account,” he told reporters ahead of training on Wednesday.

“There are surprises in every tournament … the Champions League, the Europa League, ‌the World Cup.

“There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions ‌would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is ‌there,” ⁠he said after a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the ⁠United States in Seattle on Monday.

Belgium bumbled through the group phase, eventually topping the standings after beating New Zealand 5-1 in its last fixture after being held ​by Egypt and Iran.

The Red Devils then scraped by Senegal, coming back from two goals down with five minutes left to take the game to extra time and then win 3-2 with a last-gasp penalty.

ALSO READ | France’s ambition faces biggest test yet from old rival Morocco

“People were a ‌bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re ​getting better and better,” Courtois insisted.

“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and ⁠when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their ‌defence.”

Spain substitute Mikel Merino earned his team a 1-0 last-16 win when he scored against Portugal in the 91st minute on Monday.

“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths,” added Courtois. “We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary.”

Courtois, rated among the best ‌keepers in world football, knows all about the Spanish threat having played ​at Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, that’s a long time, of course. Life ⁠runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is ⁠better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian.

“Spain is my second home, though, and I’ll probably keep living there after my ‌career ends.

“I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, ​tomorrow’s match is all about Belgium,” he added.

Published on Jul 09, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Courtois #sees #Belgium #believes #side #beat #Spain

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his country can create a surprise at the World Cup…

Pele’s iconic 1958 World Cup jersey going to auction at estimated $6M value

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in ⁠the build-up to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as ‌coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.

“We have only had one year working with ‌the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but ​in reality we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we ⁠will go into the tournament in strong form.

“We ⁠have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we ‌have a good mix for this competition.”

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland ​in Group C.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Casemiro #favourites #Brazil #toes"> FIFA World Cup 2026: Casemiro says not being favourites will keep Brazil on its toes Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup favourites could ​actually work in the team’s favour when the ‌tournament kicks off next week.Brazil, which is ​looking to win a record-extending sixth ⁠World Cup title, finds itself trailing European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England in ‌the bookmakers’ odds for the June 11 to July 19 tournament in ‌North America.“We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro ‌told ⁠FIFA’s media channel after Brazil arrived ⁠in the U.S. on Tuesday. “Of course, we’re in good shape; we’ve got a strong squad, with a mix ​of experience and ‌young talent.”“Perhaps this time we’re a step behind, but we’re on our toes and that’s always a good thing. We want to ‌go there in good shape and have ​a great World Cup.”ALSO READ | Pele’s iconic 1958 World Cup jersey going to auction at estimated M valueThe 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in ⁠the build-up to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as ‌coach and naming a new president last year.“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.“We have only had one year working with ‌the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but ​in reality we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we ⁠will go into the tournament in strong form.“We ⁠have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we ‌have a good mix for this competition.”Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland ​in Group C.Published on Jun 03, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Casemiro #favourites #Brazil #toes
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Pele’s iconic 1958 World Cup jersey going to auction at estimated $6M value

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in ⁠the build-up to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as ‌coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.

“We have only had one year working with ‌the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but ​in reality we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we ⁠will go into the tournament in strong form.

“We ⁠have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we ‌have a good mix for this competition.”

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland ​in Group C.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Casemiro #favourites #Brazil #toes">FIFA World Cup 2026: Casemiro says not being favourites will keep Brazil on its toes

Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup favourites could ​actually work in the team’s favour when the ‌tournament kicks off next week.

Brazil, which is ​looking to win a record-extending sixth ⁠World Cup title, finds itself trailing European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England in ‌the bookmakers’ odds for the June 11 to July 19 tournament in ‌North America.

“We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro ‌told ⁠FIFA’s media channel after Brazil arrived ⁠in the U.S. on Tuesday. “Of course, we’re in good shape; we’ve got a strong squad, with a mix ​of experience and ‌young talent.”

“Perhaps this time we’re a step behind, but we’re on our toes and that’s always a good thing. We want to ‌go there in good shape and have ​a great World Cup.”

ALSO READ | Pele’s iconic 1958 World Cup jersey going to auction at estimated $6M value

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in ⁠the build-up to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as ‌coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a change of president and a lot of turmoil,” he added.

“We have only had one year working with ‌the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but ​in reality we have only worked together for 40 days. I think we ⁠will go into the tournament in strong form.

“We ⁠have quality players, experienced players, energetic players and young players. I think we ‌have a good mix for this competition.”

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland ​in Group C.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Casemiro #favourites #Brazil #toes

Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a “step behind” other World Cup favourites could ​actually work…