Courtois on how Belgium will try and stop Lamine Yamal | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois explained the one way he believes Belgium can try to stop Lamine Yamal in their World Cup quarter-final against Spain.

When Yamal scored against Saudi Arabia in the group stage, he became Spain’s second-youngest goalscorer ever at World Cups, behind Gavi.

Courtois has come up against the Spain and Barcelona star on multiple occasions whilst playing in La Liga and explained how he believes Belgium can stop the winger.

“Lamine is Lamine; we know he’s very talented in one-on-one situations,” he explained. He’s very quick and very agile. He can dribble two players and then he also plays through balls.

“I think ultimately it’s about marking him very closely, and when we can create a two-on-one situation, I think that’s how you try to stop him, but he’s a star, he’s a great player and it really is difficult to stop him.” 

Belgium reached the last eight for the World Cup thanks to a stunning performance against host nation America in the round of 16; however, the Real Madrid goalkeeper believes that Spain will be a much tougher test for his side.

“It’s a special match for me,” he said. ” It is obviously a tough one for us – Spain are the favourites, that much is clear.

“Apart from in friendly matches, this is the first time I’ve come up against Spain in a major tournament, so it’s a special moment. I’ve already had loads of messages saying they’re not backing me this time, but anyway, at the end of the day I think it’s great and we’ll do everything we can to try and win.

“We know it’s a very difficult task, but then again, it’s football and anything is possible.”