Courtois: Balogun's availability 'changes nothing' for Belgium's World Cup focus

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's goalkeeper, stated that the availability of US player Folarin Balogun for their World Cup quarter-final match will not alter Belgium's strategy. Courtois emphasized that the team's focus remains on their own performance and their goal to win against any opponent. "For us, as a player, it changes nothing. We are going to focus on the match and want to win on the field against whoever we play," Courtois said during a press conference on Sunday.

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For us, as a player, it changes nothing. We are going to focus on the match and want to win on the field against whoever we play.

Courtois acknowledged that the timing of the FIFA decision, which suspended Balogun's one-match ban on probation, was unexpected. "That this happened the day before the match was a bit of a surprise. If it had been done earlier, perhaps we could have prepared a little more," he commented. However, he quickly shifted the focus back to the game, stating that the match will be eleven against eleven on the field, and that Balogun is not the only player to consider. "It's not just Balogun. We have to play and play our football," he added.

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That this happened the day before the match was a bit of a surprise. If it had been done earlier, perhaps we could have prepared a little more.

When pressed further on the matter, Courtois, mirroring his coach Rudi Garcia's approach, concluded the discussion. "There's no need to respond further to that. In the end, we, as a team, coach, and players, are preparing for the match, and everything that comes after is for our federation," he stated, signaling an end to further questions on the topic.

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It's not just Balogun. We have to play and play our football.