The issue with Actual Madrid gamers going through each other in World Cup video games is that one among them is sure to exit on the finish of the night time.
Final night time, and confronted off within the quarter-finals of the marquee match, which pitted Marc Cucurella in opposition to Thibaut Courtois.
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Spain took the lead within the first half by means of Fabian Ruiz, however Belgium equalised simply earlier than half-time to take it stage into the second half.
Though La Roja dominated many of the sport, they have been unable to place Rudi Garcia’s facet to the sword and wanted a late winner from .
The Arsenal man ensured Spain progressed to the following spherical for the second sport working, they usually now face within the semi-finals.
Spain vs France is a possible final-worthy conflict that’s set to return a spherical early, and there’s no doubt that it is going to be a wonderful sport.
For Actual Madrid, Cucurella lives to battle one other day whereas Courtois comes residence, in all probability with a quadriceps damage.
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Right here is how the duo fared on the night time.
Marc Cucurella vs Belgium
Cucurella was as soon as once more strong for Spain. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
Marc Cucurella continued his run with Spain of their 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. The Actual Madrid new signing’s efficiency was not spectacular, but it surely was one other instance of why he has grow to be helpful for Spain on this match.
He gave Luis de la Fuente width, defensive vitality and a dependable outlet on the left, even in a match the place Belgium carried actual menace by means of transition.
Cucurella is just not all the time elegant, and he doesn’t must be. His worth comes from depth, aggression and focus, particularly in video games the place the rhythm adjustments shortly.
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Towards , that mattered. Spain needed to handle lengthy spells of stress, particularly after equalised earlier than half-time.
Cucurella’s job was to maintain his flank steady, keep away from low cost fouls and hyperlink up properly with the left winger forward of him. He didn’t produce the decisive motion, but it surely was yet one more strong night time for Los Blancos’ marquee summer season signing.
Thibaut Courtois vs Spain
Courtois’ night time was far more painful. He suffered muscle discomfort after an extended kick, tried to proceed, however was finally changed early within the second half. He .
Courtois left the pitch in tears after struggling an damage. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
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That second modified the tone of the sport. Courtois had already made saves and given Belgium the type of authority Madrid followers know so properly.
Shedding him at that stage was an enormous blow. His alternative, , was later concerned in Spain’s profitable purpose, failing to carry Pau Cubarsi’s low effort earlier than Merino completed the rebound.
Courtois inspired the goalkeeper afterwards, which says loads about his management even on a brutal private night time.
For Actual Madrid, the principle concern now’s bodily. Courtois’ World Cup is over, however the larger query is how severe the damage is and the way shortly he recovers.
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They are going to hope that their primary shot-stopper recovers quickly and is obtainable for pre-season beneath Jose Mourinho.
General, this was a bittersweet Actual Madrid day. Cucurella marched on with Spain, whereas Courtois left the match within the cruellest approach potential.