Belgium suffered a major blow just before kickoff of its World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday, July 11.
Youri Tielemans, Belgium’s captain and lynchpin in midfield, was injured during warm-ups and had to be replaced in the lineup by Hans Vanaken.
Video of warm-ups shows Tielemans playing the ball around and then walking gingerly over to Belgium medical staff.
Tielemans, 29, started all five of Belgium’s matches at the World Cup prior to Friday’s game in Inglewood, California. The Aston Villa midfielder scored two goals against Senegal in the round of 32, helping Belgium to a dramatic 3-2 comeback win.
Vanaken, 33, has also played in all five World Cup games for Belgium, starting four straight after his last-minute inclusion against Spain.