Thibaut Courtois: “Saturday’s match against Italy is pointless”

Real Madrid and Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke to the press after Belgium’s 2 - 3 loss to France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday night.

Courtois spoke about Belgium’s next game — a third place playoff vs Italy on Saturday — which he feels is inconsequential. And who is to argue with him?

“Saturday’s match against Italy is pointless,” Courtois said. “Being 3rd in the Nations League is pointless. I don’t know why we have to play that match.”

The scheduling gods have made it a point for nations to play two matches over the international break, so this is likely their way of ensuring that. Still, it will be treated as a friendly, and it’s possible we won’t see the full strength teams of either Belgium or Italy given there isn’t really anything at stake.

Courtoius also spoke about how the game unfolded.

“We played well in the first half but they pressed better in the second,” said the Belgian. “We wanted to stay calm but we gave too many presents. Benzema, I know him, he does not need two chances to put one in the bottom.”

Full review of Hazard’s performance, as written by Jose Perez, can be found here.