Charles De Ketelaere scored a crucial equaliser for Belgium just before half-time in their World Cup quarter-final clash against European champions Spain. The Rode Duivels had fallen behind in what is described as their toughest test of the tournament, but De Ketelaere’s header brought the score to 1-1. This allowed the Belgian side to head towards the dressing room with a good feeling, though nothing is yet decided, with the match’s outcome to be determined in the second half.
De Ketelaere’s Equalising Header
The Belgian forward capitalised on a well-executed attack from the Rode Duivels. Timothy Castagne delivered the ball for goal, finding De Ketelaere who proved stronger than Cubarsi in the challenge. De Ketelaere then nodded the ball past goalkeeper Simon, restoring parity in the quarter-final tie.
De Ketelaere was also involved in other offensive movements for Belgium. After Spain had two consecutive corners, with Ruiz’s effort blocked by Vanaken, the Duivels attempted a counter-attack. However, De Ketelaere’s pass towards Doku was not quite accurate enough, as Olmo intercepted the ball, preventing Doku from potentially breaking away alone towards Simon. Earlier in the half, Charles De Ketelaere managed to keep a ball in play beautifully, but subsequently stumbled in his dribble, kicking the ball too far and sending it over the byline.
Spain’s Early Pressure and Belgian Responses
Spain, the European champions, are looking to win the World Cup again, having previously done so in 2010. Rudi Garcia’s Belgian squad faces the challenge of attempting to shatter this ambition. The match saw early Spanish pressure, including a moment when Yamal flashed past De Cuyper before his shot went into the side netting, requiring no action from Courtois.
A free-kick taken by Yamal, after Doku had given away a foul, was driven past the wall, but Courtois stood firm and pushed the ball away. Fabian Ruiz was unable to do anything with the rebound. Spain also had an attack interrupted when Olmo ran into referee Oliver, resulting in a referee’s ball for Spain. Porro attempted a shot from the edge of the box with his weaker left foot, sending the ball high over the bar.
Incidents and Discipline
The first yellow card of the match was issued to Cubarsi, after he went for the ball somewhat unorthdoxly and brought down De Bruyne. The young Spanish defender must now exercise caution for more than a half.
Play was paused for treatment after Oyarzabal and Olmo collided following a light push from Ngoy, though both players appeared able to continue. Belgium also temporarily played with ten men when Castagne received Cucurella’s arm against his face in a duel, resulting in a bloody nose that required treatment.
With the score at 1-1, following De Ketelaere’s equaliser, nothing is yet decided. It must all happen in the second half, which commenced with the same 22 players on the pitch.