Heartbreak as France lose top striker to injury 5 days to the 2022 World Cup
Football
World Cup 2022: Courtois Disagrees With De Bruyne Over Age Talks
Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
In this article:
- Kevin de Bruyne dismissed Belgium's chance of winning the World Cup as they are too old
- Goalie Thibaut Courtois disagrees with his Belgium teammate and said age is not an issue
- Real Madrid's keeper used club teammates Luka Modric and Karim Benzema as examples
Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his disagreement with the claim by Kevin De Bruyne, that Belgium can not win the World Cup because they are too old.
De Bruyne's comments came shortly before the Red Devils were defeated 2-0 by the Atlas Lions of Morocco - a result that leaves them needing results against Croatia if they want to progress.
Source: Getty Images
The end of the road is near for Belgium's so-called golden generation, who despite spending almost four years as number one on FIFA rankings, have no silverware to show for it.
Courtois: age not a factor
Courtois, while speaking during the pre-game conference ahead of the match against Croatia, voiced his disagreement with de Bruyne.
Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!
''It's not an age issue. At Real Madrid, we have Benzema and Modrić. It's too easy to make that excuse."
Karim Benzema (34) and Luka Modric (37) are two of Courtois's Los Blancos mates he used as an example. Modric is currently at the World Cup while Benzema withdrew due to injury.
Top 10 oldest squads in Qatar
Country | Average age (years) |
Iran | 28.9 |
Mexico | 28.5 |
Argentina | 27.9 |
Brazil | 27.9 |
Belgium | 27.8 |
Tunisia | 27.8 |
Uruguay | 27.8 |
South Korea | 27.8 |
Japan | 27.8 |
Australia | 27.5 |
Data from Statista
Belgium house not in order
Sports Brief earlier reported that the Belgium dressing room is divided and members of the squad are reportedly taking issue with each other.
2022 World Cup: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti reveals the team he will support at Mundial
Football
There is a reported rift between Eden Hazard and Leandro Trossard, both of whom don't speak to each other, as well as strikers Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi.
The rift between Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne is of public knowledge, after an alleged row involving KDB's ex-girlfriend and cheating accusations.
Trending news
