Real Madrid News
Official: Hazard, Courtois crash out of World Cup, Modric’s Croatia through to the knockouts
After a tightly-contested affair that ended in a goalless draw against Croatia, Eden Hazard’s Belgium are out of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Luka Modric’s side, however, have made it through to the Round of 16, finishing second in Group F.
The Belgian Red Devils had looked sub-par throughout the tournament even though they had managed to pick up a narrow win over Canada in their opening fixture. But the 2-0 loss to Morocco last time out put them under intense pressure.
Needing a win to stand a chance to qualify, especially with Morocco getting the better of Canada in the other Group F match, Belgium could not get the job done.
In a brave call, Roberto Martinez opted to drop Hazard from the starting XI. His Real Madrid teammate, Thibaut Courtois, did brilliantly to keep Belgium alive in the match, pulling off several clutch saves.
However, at the other end, Romelu Lukaku missed three sitters after coming on at half-time, as the match ended in a goalless draw. Hazard, who came on as a substitute in the latter stages of the game, could do little to change things.
While the Real Madrid duo’s journey in Qatar comes to an end, another Los Blancos star goes through to the knockouts as Modric and Croatia advance again. Having drawn against Morocco in their opener, the Vatreni had beaten Canada resoundingly to put themselves in a good position.
But a loss would have sent them out. However, the team managed to pull through and hold things together. Special mention for Josko Gvardiol who had a top game against Belgium to help Croatia go through.
This Belgium side, considered the ‘Golden Generation’, had advanced to the semi-finals of the last World Cup. But things have been rocky for them for a while now, with recent reports of infighting within the squad only adding fuel to that.
Eventually, Hazard, Courtois & co. are out, while Modric will lead Croatia into the Round of 16, where they could likely face Spain.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
