Belgium has been eliminated from the 2022 Qatar World Cup tournament after a goalless draw with Croatia on Thursday.
The team was kicked home after Eden Hazard left for the start of the match and Romelu Lukaku missed four good opportunities to score a goal.
Their opponent, Croatia, has moved on into the round of 16 to qualify in the second position after Morocco. The Morocco national football team is leading the group after defeating Canada 2-1.
Belgium’s coach, Roberto Martinez, announced his departure from the team after their early defeat in the world cup.
Talking about their preparedness and disappointment, Martinez said;
“It’s been six years since I arrived with a clear idea to qualify for the World Cup. You get engaged with the people and we felt we needed to give it another go.
“It’s been a real joy. I’m so proud of these players. It’s been amazing, it’s been six years that we have been able to do everything you want to do in a club in a national team and that makes me extremely proud. We love the way this team has played.
“It has given us incredible joy. It is the time for me to accept that this is the last game.”
Croatia vs Belgium Match Review
In summary, Croatia seemed to be more in control of the ball from the beginning of the match, with Ivan Perisic losing a straight shot over the bar, few seconds into the start of the game.
Belgium had their chances to hit the back of the net but failed to do so.
A penalty kick that was initially awarded to Croatia after the referee judged that Yannick Carrasco brought down Andrej Kramaric was overturned after a further review by the VAR.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s goalkeeper had three great saves while their striker, Lukaku blew two opportunities to score after he was brought into the match in the second half.