On July 10, Belgium will face reigning European Championship holders Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals. Ahead of the match, Belgium goalkeeper Courtois spoke to Belgian media, saying that he still hopes to continue playing for the “Red Devils” and will not easily say farewell to the national team.

Before the start of the World Cup, Courtois had hinted that this tournament could be his last dance with the Belgium national team. Now, however, following the team’s performances at the World Cup and changes in the dressing-room atmosphere, the goalkeeper’s stance has shifted.

“That’s right, I’m really enjoying this World Cup at the moment. I don’t want my international career to end so soon,” Courtois said.

"The team's cohesion is very strong right now, and a stage like the World Cup is unique. Especially when you see those fans in the stands, like in the match against Senegal, that atmosphere... that is why you choose to become a footballer. Experiences like that are something you absolutely do not want to give up easily."

However, Courtois also admitted that whether he continues to play for the national team over the long term in the future will still depend on his physical condition.

"From a physical standpoint, I don't know whether I can continue to maintain the current pace of playing for the national team at such a high frequency over the next four years. This is also something I need to discuss with the head coach and sporting director Vincent Mannaert."

“We need to sit down and have a serious discussion to see whether we can find a suitable solution.”

Courtois said that representing Belgium still makes him proud, and that even if the team loses its upcoming matches, he would not define it as the end of his international career.

"Playing for Belgium still makes me happy and proud. What I can say for certain is that even if we lose our next match, I will never say that this is my final game for Belgium."

Ahead of the upcoming match against Spain, Courtois believes Belgium are not without a chance. Although Spain are among the favorites to win this World Cup and Belgium will go into the game as challengers, he believes the team have the ability to spring a surprise.

"At the 2018 World Cup, we may have had more players with outstanding individual ability, but what we have now is a stronger collective. We will give everything to win, and we already showed that in the closing stages of the match against Senegal. We have always believed we can keep going until the end, and that is a very important quality in World Cup matches."

“Playing beautifully is of course great, but the most important thing is always winning the match. Everyone knows that this is possible. We are a good team, with the quality to cause Spain problems.”

“Anything is possible in football. Whether it is the Champions League, the Europa League, the European Championship or the World Cup, there are always teams that spring surprises. I believe we can also be one of those teams that creates a surprise. If we can knock out Spain, it will be a huge victory.”

Courtois also spoke about Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal, saying Belgium will not focus on just one player. “We cannot focus on one player alone. Spain have many other strengths, and their threat can also come from other areas.”

After many years playing in La Liga, Spain has become like a second home for Courtois.

“I’ve lived in Spain for 11 years, which is a long time. Ultimately, I’m still Belgian, although Spain feels like a second home to me, and I may well continue living there after I retire.”

"But in Friday's match, only Belgium matters most."

In addition, young Belgian player Diego Moreira also discussed how to limit Yamal. He said the team would not formulate any so-called “special plan.”

"Yamal is an outstanding player and one of the best players in the world. But I don't think we need to do anything special to limit him; we should focus on playing to our own strengths. Spain like to control possession and are also good at launching sustained attacks. We are training on how to limit them, which requires high-intensity counter-pressing and maintaining aggression. At the same time, we also have many strengths of our own."

At this World Cup, Courtois and Belgium are searching for a new breakthrough. Against a formidable Spain side, the “Red Devils” will strive to maintain their dark-horse momentum and chase a victory worthy of a place in history.