Belgium coach Rudi Garcia faced sharp criticism for substituting starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during the loss to Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals yesterday Friday, increasing doubts about his future.

Courtois felt he could continue playing despite leg pain, but Garcia insisted on his substitution due to not being 100 percent physically fit.

Senny Laman came on as a substitute after 71 minutes, but he failed to control a low shot from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Spanish substitute Mikel Merino to follow up on the rebound in the 86th minute to snatch a 2-1 win yesterday Friday.

Garcia's insistence on substituting Courtois angered Belgian analysts, including commentator Peter Vandenbempt.

Vandenbempt said on Belgian radio: "To substitute the best goalkeeper in the world in a World Cup quarter-final because he can no longer send long balls... unbelievable! I simply can't understand it."

He added: "The only explanation is that Garcia adheres to strict principles. Not 100 percent fit? Then you leave the field. But surely someone like Courtois knows what he can and cannot do?"

However, Garcia clearly explained his philosophy, saying: "Since the start of the World Cup, I said that only those who are 100 percent physically fit would be allowed to play. That applies to Thibaut as well. We needed his long passes, first to Charles (De Ketelaere), then to Romelu (Lukaku). We didn't want to aggravate Thibaut's injury, so I don't regret the decision to substitute him."

Garcia's decision (62 years old) will certainly be among the issues discussed when his contract is reviewed, which expires at the end of this month.

The French coach, who won the league title in his country with Lille in 2011, took charge at the start of 2025 and was tasked with injecting new spirit into the team after the period of coach Domenico Tedesco, which was described as toxic and soulless.

Garcia achieved his goals

Garcia's first task was to stay in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, which he successfully achieved along with qualifying for the World Cup. The coach also added another achievement to his record by reaching the quarter-finals.

Garcia's record in 20 international matches includes 12 wins, six draws, and two losses.

However, Belgian football association officials will have to decide whether Garcia is the right man to continue in his position, as they look to build a team capable of competing in Euro 2028.

Many questions have been raised about his plans, changes, and management style, and the disappointment of the narrow loss to Spain did not help his case for continuity.

Belgium had an inconsistent run in the World Cup, struggling more than once to advance to the quarter-finals, drawing with Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand to top their group.

They narrowly survived against Senegal in the round of 32 after Garcia substituted his key players with the team trailing 2-0, but the question remains whether his changes or Senegal's glaring defensive errors were the reason for the comeback.

Nevertheless, the coach can point to bright spots, such as the emphatic 4-1 win over the United States, which co-hosted the tournament, and the introduction of players like Nathan Ngoy and Nicolas Raskin, who had an excellent tournament.