Thibaut Courtois Kritik Sikap Suporter AS Usai Belgia Menang

Penjaga gawang tim nasional Belgia Thibaut Courtois melontarkan kritik tajam terhadap publik Amerika Serikat setelah membawa negaranya menang 4-1 atas AS pada babak 16 besar Piala Dunia 2026 di Stadion Seattle, Senin malam waktu setempat.

Kemenangan telak tersebut sekaligus menghentikan langkah sang tuan rumah setelah Belgia mampu mencetak tiga gol beruntun menyusul gol penyama kedudukan dari Malik Tillman.

Courtois merasa timnya dipandang sebelah mata oleh publik tuan rumah menjelang pertandingan penentu tersebut dilaksanakan.

"In recent days, we have been shown a lack of respect here in the U.S.," kata Courtois kepada media penyiaran publik Belgia, Sporza. "It was said they could beat us easily, but I think today we proved we are a good team."

Kiper berusia 34 tahun itu juga mengaku sempat tertawa saat membaca kabar mengenai pembatalan kartu merah penyerang AS Folarin Balogun oleh FIFA setelah adanya panggilan dari Presiden Donald Trump.

"In recent days, we have been disrespected here in the United States," ujar Courtois seperti dilansir dari World Soccer Talk. "It was being said that they could beat us easily, but I think today we showed that we are a good team. We played a great match."

Mantan pemain Chelsea tersebut menegaskan bahwa taktik menekan sejak awal laga menjadi kunci keberhasilan memicu keraguan di lini pertahanan Amerika Serikat.

"We wanted to pin the United States back from the start and tried to create chances," tutur Courtois. "Then they started to doubt themselves. Perhaps the 5-2 defeat against us in the friendly was affecting them."

Courtois pun menambahkan bahwa dirinya merasa jauh lebih optimis bisa menumbangkan Amerika Serikat dibandingkan saat mereka harus bersusah payah membalikkan keadaan melawan Senegal di babak sebelumnya.

"I read about it and it amused me," kata Courtois mengenai situasi kartu merah Balogun. "I understand that they want to generate excitement around the United States, but today I had more confidence in our victory than against Senegal, which has a better team than the United States."

Kini, Belgia bersiap menghadapi tantangan besar berikutnya di babak perempat final melawan Spanyol, negara yang memiliki arti emosional tersendiri bagi sang penjaga gawang.

"The quarterfinal against Spain, my second country, will be special," ucap Courtois. "My young son will have to support Belgium, otherwise I won’t let him come back home! I am very happy to be able to play against them."