"We were disrespected", says Courtois after Belgium qualified in the World Cup

"In recent days, we feel like we have been disrespected here in the United States." This was the tone used by goalkeeper Courtois after Belgium authoritatively secured qualification for the quarter-finals with a resounding 4-1 over the American team, in a game held on Monday night (6), in Seattle.

"The comment is that they (the Americans) could easily beat us, but I think we showed that we are a good team and played a great match", said the 34-year-old athlete, one of the pillars of the team led by coach Rudi García.

After securing their place in the round of 16 in dramatic fashion by beating Senegal in extra time by a score of 3-2, the Real Madrid goalkeeper went further in his statements.

"To be honest, I was more confident that we would beat the United States than I was against Senegal. They were a stronger team than the United States and that was evident in this match as well," he concluded.

Courtois also commented on the issue that made sports headlines before the match even started at the Lumen Field Stadium: the release of striker Folarin Balogum by FIFA after the athlete received a red card against Bosnia.

"Everything that happened before had no influence on the outcome of the match. When I read (about the American player being able to play against Belgium), I laughed," said the goalkeeper.

The Balogun issue was also discussed at coach Rudi Garcia's press conference. According to the coach, the American striker went to meet him.

"He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It's not his fault (being the target of controversy over the release applied by FIFA). He's not to blame, and that's what I told him. I appreciate this player," he said.

Uefa blasts FIFA for releasing Balogun for the World Cup: "He crossed a red line"

Source: CNN