Courtois: "İspanya are the favorites, the match will be very difficult"

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated that the match against İspanya holds a special meaning for them. Courtois, who noted that he received messages from many friends before the match and that this motivates him, said they will give their all on the pitch. However, he emphasized that they are also aware the match will be tough, expressing that anything can happen in football. Courtois, who firmly believes that İspanya are the biggest favorites of the tournament, argued that a team that has won the Avrupa Şampiyonası deserves this status. He also added that alongside Arjantin and Fransa, İspanya were one of the teams given the most chance before the tournament, and they proved this with their performances on the pitch.

Touching upon the recent form of the İspanyol ekibinin, Courtois pointed out that their opponent is playing truly excellent football. He stated that the İspanyollar manage the tempo of the matches extremely calmly and never lose control of the game. It was emphasized that İspanya, who have kept their goal closed throughout the tournament in particular, provide great confidence defensively. He noted that this success is based not just on one aspect of the game, but on the overall harmony of the team. He also added to his words that goalkeeper Unai Simón is one of the key figures in this solid defensive structure and inspires great confidence in goal.

The experienced goalkeeper, who also touched upon the tactical dimension of the match, stated that their primary aim against İspanya is to score a goal. He stated that scoring the first goal is of vital importance for the course of the match, and that they then aim to keep their goal closed. He noted that the opponent can create serious danger in every area of the pitch and can even affect the score with players coming off the bench. Courtois said that it is necessary to stay on the pitch with full concentration for even beyond 100 dakikanın against İspanya. He emphasized that the opponent is an extremely dangerous team with a habit of punishing at the slightest moment of distraction.

Analyzing the details of İspanya's playing structure, Courtois stated that the opponent sets up a very high defensive line in the advanced areas of the pitch. He said they apply intense pressure to win the ball back very quickly, and that this style of play is one of their biggest weapons. Courtois stated that Belçika, on the other hand, adopts a different football philosophy on the pitch compared to İspanya, and they want to turn this situation to their advantage. He argued that this difference could provide the opportunity to find wide spaces behind the İspanyol savunmasının and launch quick attacking moves. He added to his words his belief that utilizing these spaces correctly against the opponent's pressing playing style could increase Belçika's chances of winning.

Finally, Courtois also made significant evaluations about İspanya's young star Lamine Yamal. He expressed that Yamal is not just a talent, but also a star who is extremely difficult to stop on the pitch. Courtois, who noted that the young footballer possesses incredible speed and football intelligence, emphasized that one must be very careful when defending against him. He stated that in order not to leave him alone and prevent him from getting the ball, it is necessary to constantly mark him closely, and they have to apply double marking when necessary. However, he added to his words that if the team focuses only on Yamal, İspanya have many weapons, and therefore it is essential to display a collective defensive discipline.