Real Madrid News
Thibaut Courtois reveals the team he will support after Belgium’s World Cup exit
Belgium’s goalless draw with Croatia this evening meant that the European giants are out of the tournament, after finishing third in Group F, behind Morocco and Croatia.
Speaking after the match, the Belgian goalkeeper wished luck to all his Real Madrid teammates who are still participating in the World Cup. But most notably, he admitted his support for the Spanish national team during the remainder of the competition.
“Now I will support Spain, but I also want my Real Madrid colleagues to do well, so I also wish the best for Lukita, the Brazilians, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Rudiger. I hope everyone can go as far as they can and see the champion be one of them or more than one in December,” he said (h/t RM4Arab).
Modric was notably involved in the Croatia team that moved to the knockout rounds after a goalless draw with Belgium. As for Antonio Rudiger, his Germany team must secure a win and hope Spain beats Japan if they are to qualify for the next round.
The Brazilian national team, meanwhile, represented by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, have their place in the knockout rounds sealed as well following back-to-back wins over Switzerland and Serbia respectively.
In his post-match speech, Courtois went on to offer his thoughts on Eden Hazard. The goalkeeper backed the former Chelsea star to do well in the future despite his apparent failure with the Belgian national team.
“Eden has shown he’s playing well. It’s a pity that today he only played 10 minutes. He is very good and deserves more chances. Psychologically, the substitution was a blow for him, I’m sure of that. He is a great player and can still give a lot to football,” he said.
Hazard has featured in all three of Belgium’s group matches in this World Cup. But the forward has not been able to be involved in a single goal. It has been the same case at the club level, with the player recording just one goal and one assist so far this season.
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.
