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Courtois sets the record straight over Pickford height row

Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois plays down row with World Cup rival Jordan Pickford: ‘He is a great goalkeeper’
Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois plays down row with World Cup rival Jordan Pickford: ‘He is a great goalkeeper’

Fresh from his quarter final heroics against Brazil, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has set the record straight over his comments where he appeared to mock Jordan Pickford’s height.

Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarter finals Friday night, with the Chelsea goalkeeper making several outstanding saves to preserve the Red Devils’ lead.

READ MORE: Courtois appears to mock Jordan Pickford’s height

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However, it had been his comments late last week, where he appeared to call England goalkeeper Pickford too ‘short’ which dominated many headlines pre-match.

Adnan Januzaj scored the only goal in Belgium’s 1-0 win over the Three Lions in the group stage, as his shot went over a diving Pickford and into the net.

Courtois wasn’t alone in criticising Pickford’s attempts to save the shot, with pundit Gary Neville saying the keeper’s attempt was ‘a bit weird’
Courtois wasn’t alone in criticising Pickford’s attempts to save the shot, with pundit Gary Neville saying the keeper’s attempt was ‘a bit weird’

After that match Courtois said, “The goalkeeper is 10cm smaller than me. I would have caught it. He was too busy throwing his legs in the air.”

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Courtois is 6ft5, while Pickford is four inches shorter at 6ft1.

Pickford use all of his height to pull off this stunning save against Colombia in England’s Round of 16 win.
Pickford use all of his height to pull off this stunning save against Colombia in England’s Round of 16 win.

However, in his post-match interview after defeating Brazil, the Belgium stopper took the time to make clear he wasn’t mocking the Everton goalkeeper’s lack of height.

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“This thing about Jordan Pickford, I want to make it clear, I never mocked his height, he is a great goalkeeper. I want to make that clear.”

Courtois made full use of his 6ft5 frame to save this shot from Neymar in the quarter final
Courtois made full use of his 6ft5 frame to save this shot from Neymar in the quarter final

Belgium’s win means they are into the semi finals of the World Cup for the first time in 32 years and will face neighbours France for a place in the final.

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Courtois said the win justifies their victory over England to top the group.

“It’s incredible. This team wants to win every game, against England people said it was better to lose but we won the game, we have confidence in our team.

“I have been unfairly criticised a lot this year, today I proved again who I am and why I am here.”

Courtois said Belgium had a plan and it worked to perfection.

“I know Neymar likes to curl it that way, I was ready and made a good save. Our tactical plan was great. We felt it was our day. It is a childhood dream to be in the World Cup.”

Courtois and his teammates now have a few days to prepare before squaring off against Les Bleus in St Petersburg on Tuesday.