Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has backed underdog Belgium to upset Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals. Belgium registered a comprehensive 4-1 win against co-hosts USA in the round of 16, which would have given them a lot of confidence.

On the other hand, Spain bested Portugal by 1-0 after Mikel Merino scored late in the round of 16 clash. Courtois admitted that Belgium will face their toughest challenge in the tournament when they take on the European champions.

“Spain is a great team. I think they’re one of the favorites to win it,” Courtois said after the Red Devils’ training session.

“So obviously we start as underdogs against them. But in football, everything is possible. I believe that we can win, with all respect. But obviously, they are the favorite.”

The Belgian goalkeeper has played in Spain for the last 11 years and he is hopeful that his knowledge of the Spanish players will give them a tactical edge.

“For me, it helps that I know them, most are from Spanish football, and some from the Champions League as well,” Courtois added. “But at the end of the day, we are playing against Spain, not against Barça, City, or Arsenal. Everyone knows those players.”

Courtois recalled the Red Devils’ 2-1 win against Brazil in the quarterfinal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“They were favored against us, and maybe they were more individually with more quality in the team,” Courtois said. “But I feel we are a great team all together now, and we are fighting.”

Belgium was trailing by 2-0 against Senegal in the round of 32 but bounced back to take the match by 3-2.

“Especially the match against Senegal showed our ability to keep believing until the end. The important thing is to win games. It’s a nice thing to also play well, but the most important thing is to win and to compete, and that’s what we did,” Courtois added.

Belgium will face Spain on Friday in the quarterfinal clash.