Belgium have been knocked out of the 2022 World Cup following a goalless draw with Croatia.
Roberto Martinez’s side, who are are ranked second in FIFA’s world rankings only behind Brazil, finished the group stage with just four points to their name.
Their early exit could spell the end of Belgium’s so-called ‘golden generation’ which includes the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
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Belgium rarely tested Croatia despite knowing they almost certainly needed to claim all three points to prolong their stay in Qatar.
In fact, Croatia were the ones pushing for an opener in the first half and were awarded a penalty before VAR stepped in for an offside.
Martinez threw on Lukaku, who is still working his way back to full fitness, at the half-time interval but the Inter Milan striker could not add to his 68 international goals.
Lukaku had a great chance to open the scoring on the hour mark but he wasted the opportunity when he smashed the ball against the post from inside the penalty area.
Read more: Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at the 2022 World Cup
He spurned another chance soon after when his header went high over the crossbar before replays showed the ball had gone out of play before De Bruyne’s cross.
Lukaku looked like he was going to be Belgium’s hero in the 90th minute but he could not turn Thorgan Hazard’s cross home from three yards out.
Josko Gvardiol stopped Lukaku from tapping home moments after with a last-ditch challenge at the death.
Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the other Group F fixture to progress alongside Croatia.
Key moment of the match — Lukaku’s first miss
A fully fit and firing Lukaku would have taken at least two of the chances but he clearly isn’t match fit following his return from injury.
He looked like a player who came into this game having only played six matches for club and country this season.
Croatia vs Belgium player of the match — Josko Gvardiol
You can see why the defender is being linked with Europe’s tops clubs.
His last-ditch challenge on Lukaku was worth the player of the match award alone. An incredible talent at the age of just 20.
Croatia vs Belgium key statistic
Opta: Against Croatia, Belgium fielded the second oldest XI (31 years and 95 days on average) in a World Cup game this century, after Australia in 2010 (31y, 118d v Germany).
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What does this mean?
Belgium are heading home, while Croatia will play whoever finishes top of Group E. Spain, Japan or Costa Rica await Croatia.
Read more: Croatia stunned Brazil in a penalty shootout to advance to the semifinals
Read more: Croatia knocked out Japan on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals
GO DEEPER
Belgium knocked out, Croatia through in second, Lukaku's misses and misery
(Photo: Getty Images)
