Thibaut Courtois key to Belgium’s success against Brazil

The front three may grab the plaudits, but Thibaut Courtois is a big reason Belgium are in the World Cup semifinals.

For all the praise heaped on the Belgium’s attackers, and manager Roberto Martinez, following their upset victory against Brazil on Friday, it may be something else that separates them from the remaining World Cup contenders: One of the best goalkeepers in the world. Credit to Thibaut Courtois, whose saves against Brazil ensured his side could advance to the semis.

It’s true Brazil weren’t as sharp as usual, but they gave Belgium’s defense a tough time late in the first half and late in the second when their hopes started to dim. In the 35th minute, with Belgium up 2-0, Philippe Coutinho’s curling shot from outside the box saw Courtois respond with a big save. That ball goes in and the game’s momentum could have changed. Brazil would have had a lot more time to mount a comeback. His stoppage-time save, arguably the best at this World Cup, proved decisive in a 2-1 victory.

Agile and quick, the 6-foot-5 Courtois had a strong night, fast with the reflexes and regularly getting to the ball when it seemed destined for the back of the net. His eight saves were all big as Brazil tried to equalize. In a tournament loaded with last-gasp efforts and come-from-behind wins, it wasn’t to be for Brazil. Belgium were just too strong in Kazan. Courtois was the epitome of composure as Belgium’s frantic defense tried to stop the waves of Brazilian attempts.

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Courtois is far from the biggest star on this Belgium team, but he deserves as much credit as anyone. He’s conceded five goals at this World Cup, although none of them were really his fault, and he was arguably their best player in the biggest game of the tournament so far.

Belgium are now headed to the World Cup semifinals for just the second time in history after a magical run back in 1986. While we should celebrate this team’s attacking players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, let’s not forget Courtois. He’s been the unheralded key to Belgium’s success at this World Cup.