Belgium’s Courtois backs underdog run against Spain in World Cup quarters, and sports betting markets are watching
The Real Madrid goalkeeper's confidence after a 4-1 demolition of the USA could shift quarterfinal odds in what's shaping up to be one of the tournament's marquee matchups.
Thibaut Courtois wants you to know that Belgium isn’t just happy to be here. After dismantling co-host USA 4-1 in the Round of 16, the goalkeeper told reporters his squad fully believes they can knock off Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals on July 10. The match is set for the Los Angeles area, and it pits a surging underdog against the defending European champions.
“Everyone on our team realizes it’s possible,” Courtois said.
Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the USA saw Charles De Ketelaere score twice in the match. Courtois plays his club football for Real Madrid, which means he faces many of Spain’s national team players in training and in La Liga week after week. He referred to Spain as his “second home,” a comment that reads as respectful on the surface but carries an unmistakable subtext: he knows these players, he knows their tendencies, and he’s not intimidated.