Belgium physio: Courtois substitution was solely coach Garcia's decision

This topic continues to occupy Belgium even after their World Cup exit. National coach Rudi Garcia substituted star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (34) in the 71st minute of the quarterfinal against Spain (1-2) due to thigh problems — a controversial move. Many in Belgium believed Garcia had substituted the Real Madrid goalkeeper without urgent necessity. Now, the physiotherapist of the Belgian national team has joined the dispute over Courtois, revealing that the substitution was not based on medical advice.

James van Gemert told the Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad:

"When he sat down on the ground, the team doctor and I ran onto the field. Immediately after that, the second water break followed. At that moment, the national coach, who had already sent Senne Lammens to warm up, decided to make the substitution. Thibaut did not request it himself, and neither the doctor nor I advised it."

Belgium physio James van Gemert (r.) next to Courtois on the pitch. Photo: ISI Photos via Getty Images

With this, the physio confirms the statements made by Courtois after the match, which caused a huge stir. Courtois said at the time:

"I had severe pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem staying in goal – except for long clearances. Ultimately, the coach decided to substitute me. That's not a problem, because the team comes first."

Physio: Coach Only Wants to Use Fit Players

But why did Garcia take Courtois off without medical advice? Van Gemert explains:

"Our national coach prefers to only use players who are one hundred percent fit. Kevin De Bruyne was also left out for this reason once before."

Particularly bitter: A mistake by Courtois' replacement Lammens — in only his third international match for the Red Devils — led to Spain's winning goal by Merino.