Belgium Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals as Courtois Addresses Family Divisions

Belgium secured a 4-1 victory over the United States on Tuesday, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois described the win as a perfect response to what he called "disrespect" from the Americans, who had underestimated Belgium's capabilities. "In recent days, the United States showed disrespect toward us, saying they could easily beat us and that we are not as good as before," Courtois said after the match. "But today we proved we are a strong team and played a great game."

Courtois also addressed the controversy surrounding Belgium player Polarin Balogun, who was suspended in a previous match but allowed to play after FIFA temporarily lifted his ban. "What happened before the game didn’t really affect us. I read about it and just laughed," he said. He added that he felt more confident about winning against the U.S. than in their previous match against Senegal, which he described as a stronger team.

Courtois’s wife, Mishel Gerzig, was seen celebrating in the stands alongside other players’ spouses. Looking ahead to Belgium’s upcoming match against Spain, Courtois revealed that his family is divided, as their son was raised and educated in Madrid. "Spain is my second country," Courtois said, "but my son will support Belgium no matter what, otherwise, he won’t be allowed back home!" Despite the family split, Courtois emphasized that reaching the quarterfinals is already a significant achievement for Belgium. "Anything that happens from now on is a bonus for us," he concluded.