Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defended young backup Senne Lemmens after a costly error contributed to Belgium's World Cup elimination and announced plans to take a one-year break from international duty.

Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the quarterfinals following a 1-2 defeat to Spain on July 10. During the match, Courtois suffered an injury in the 71st minute and was replaced by Lemmens. In the 88th minute, Lemmens failed to save a long-range shot before Miguel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain.

After the match, Courtois defended Lemmens: "First of all, I sympathize with Senne. Being a goalkeeper is the most unforgiving position in football. You might make ten brilliant decisions, but people will remember only your one mistake."

"However, this is the knockout stage of the World Cup, and the margins are incredibly thin. Unfortunately, those moments can decide the entire competition," Courtois continued. "When you represent Belgium at this level, every action matters."

"I believe Senne will learn from this mistake and come back stronger. He has the talent to do so. But when you're competing for the greatest trophy in football, whether with Belgium or at club level, these moments define your career."

Regarding his international future, Courtois stated: "I want to take a one-year break from playing for Belgium, then return for the Euro qualifiers and Euro 2028. I don't know if Belgium will agree to this."

The Colombian Football Federation has condemned individuals who sent death threats to striker Haminton Campaz and his family following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Colombia drew 0-0 with Switzerland in 120 minutes before losing 3-4 on penalties. During extra time, Campaz had a clear chance in the penalty area facing the goalkeeper but shot wide in a shocking miss.

Following the match, Campaz and his family received death threats from fans. The forward, who plays for Rosario Central in Argentina's league, posted on Instagram calling for people to show respect and prevent football passion from breeding hatred and fear.

The Colombian Football Federation released a statement declaring: "No athlete or national team member deserves to be threatened simply for representing their country. Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope—not a place for hatred, threats, or violence. We call on all Colombians to stand together and ensure that what happens on the field of play does not transform into threats or attacks on those dedicated to representing our nation."

The statement also recalled the 1994 World Cup tragedy when defender Andrés Escobar, who scored an own goal against the United States, was shot and killed by gunmen just days after Colombia's elimination and his return home.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket — Deputy Interior Minister Polpeer Suwanchawee (MoI-2) visited Phuket today to oversee progress on the government’s “Phuket Model,” a coordinated campaign to reclaim encroached land within Sirinat National Park. Joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Lands, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and […] Deputy Interior Minister Leads Effort to Reclaim Sirinat National Park Land -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Authorities at Phuket International Airport have arrested two women — one Thai and one Filipino — after uncovering more than 32 kilograms of cannabis flowers hidden in their luggage. The operation was led by Mr. Nucha Jiradit, Chief of Phuket Airport Customs, alongside Ms. Thanomjit Burirak, Director of Customs Control, and Ms. Charoenporn […] Filipino and Thai Arrested at Phuket Airport, 32 Kilograms of Cannabis Seized -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Barcelona is set to bolster its attacking lineup after reaching an agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi, with only minor administrative details remaining. According to Athletic, Barcelona is strengthening its forward options by acquiring Adeyemi from German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. The deal is structured at €22 million guaranteed, plus additional conditions and a sell-on clause that would benefit Dortmund if Adeyemi is sold in the future. Only minor formalities remain. The 24-year-old joined Dortmund in 2022 and has been a key player for the club, though he experienced form and fitness issues last season that led to his exclusion from Germany's 2026 World Cup squad. Barcelona has an opening in its attack following Robert Lewandowski's contract expiration and exit, the sale of Ansu Fati, and the club's failure to exercise its option on Marcus Rashford.

Despite conceding their first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain defeated Belgium in the quarterfinals on July 11 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to advance to the semifinals and face France.

Spain's reigning world champions faced Belgium's European powerhouse in the quarterfinal matchup. Spain had narrowly beaten Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 and had been the tournament's only unbeaten team until this match, while Belgium crushed co-host United States 4-1.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with starters Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Guéhi, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Lamin Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Balde, and Mikel Oyarzabal. Belgium, under Rudy García, used the same 4-2-3-1 setup with Thibaut Courtois, Timothée Castagne, Nathon Ngoyo, Brandon McKenzie, Maxim De Cuyper, Hans Vanaken, Nicholas Raskin, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Charles De Ketelaere in their starting eleven.

The first half began competitively before Spain took control and applied sustained pressure on Belgium. After halftime, Belgium gained possession, but in the 30th minute Spain's Dani Olmo fired a shot that the keeper couldn't hold, and Fabián Ruiz followed up to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

Belgium adjusted their approach with aerial balls, and in the 41st minute Charles De Ketelaere equalized 1-1 with a chance from a direct ball into the box, marking Spain's first goal conceded in the tournament.

The second half saw Spain dominating possession while Belgium mounted dangerous counterattacks, keeping the match tense throughout. In the 88th minute, Pau Cubarsi's long-range shot deflected off Belgium's goalkeeper to Miguel Merino, who converted the rebound to restore Spain's lead at 2-1 and secure their advancement.

Spain will face France in the semifinals on July 15 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.