Croatia 0-0 Belgium: Early exit for Belgium as Croatia reach last 16 in Qatar

Belgium have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar.

Roberto Martinez's side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win and one goal in their three matches.

They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing victory was necessary to progress to the last 16.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but his failure to convert any sealed his country's fate.

Lukaku, searching for sharpness following injury, hit the post from in front of goal, poked an effort wide when well-placed and reacted too slowly when the ball hit him in the six-yard box in stoppage time.

Croatia, finalists in 2018, got the point they needed to progress from Group F as runners-up, with Morocco taking top spot thanks to a 2-1 win against Canada.

Zlatko Dalic's side will face the winners of Group E - which is currently Spain - in the last 16.

Belgium players fell to the turf at full-time as their supporters behind the goal politely applauded them off the pitch.

Lukaku, who replaced Dries Mertens at half-time, came into the game with intent and immediately brought energy and purpose to his side.

But his missed opportunities in the second half proved costly, with each one bringing an audible collective groan from the stands and the on-loan Inter Milan striker the punched the dugout in frustration after the final whistle.

Croatia were not especially convincing - their most dangerous moment was a first-half penalty being ruled out by VAR because of an offside infringement in the build-up - but did enough to secure progression.

They did however look a level below what they showed to reach the final in Russia four years ago and their celebrations were fairly subdued after scraping through.

'Golden generation' fall at first hurdle

This Belgium side were ranked number one in the world in February and their collection of star names have been fancied to do well in recent tournaments - but this is the latest in a list of disappointments for their supporters.

On the biggest stages, their 'golden generation' has not lived up to expectations, failing to reach a major final despite their array of talented players.

The team, whose key players are approaching the latter stages of their careers, probed for the breakthrough at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium but even feted midfielder Kevin de Bruyne - captain in place of the dropped Eden Hazard - could not save his side.

Croatia had the best chances in a poor first half as Ivan Perisic fired wide while Andrej Kramaric thought he had won a penalty following a foul by Yannick Carrasco, but the decision was cancelled by VAR for offside.

Lukaku's introduction had an immediate impact as he pounced on a rebound from Carrasco's shot but struck it against the inside of the post.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric went close when his poked effort was held by club-mate Thibaut Courtois in a rare Croatia second-half attack.

But the biggest chances fell Lukaku's way, not least in the closing minutes when he deflected a cross wide then was slow to react and allowed the ball to hit his body and fall into the goalkeeper's arms from about two yards out.

It was a tame end to a lacklustre campaign and Belgium cannot have too many complaints at their failure to progress.

Player of the match

GvardiolJosko Gvardiol

Croatia

Squad number20Player nameGvardiol

Squad number10Player nameModric

Squad number8Player nameKovacic

Squad number4Player namePerisic

Squad number11Player nameBrozovic

Squad number19Player nameSosa

Squad number22Player nameJuranovic

Squad number9Player nameKramaric

Squad number6Player nameLovren

Squad number16Player namePetkovic

Squad number15Player namePasalic

Squad number14Player nameLivaja

Squad number7Player nameMajer

Squad number1Player nameLivakovic

Belgium

Squad number17Player nameTrossard

Squad number1Player nameCourtois

Squad number25Player nameDoku

Squad number7Player nameDe Bruyne

Squad number21Player nameCastagne

Squad number2Player nameAlderweireld

Squad number5Player nameVertonghen

Squad number8Player nameTielemans

Squad number19Player nameDendoncker

Squad number16Player nameT Hazard

Squad number15Player nameMeunier

Squad number6Player nameWitsel

Squad number11Player nameCarrasco

Squad number14Player nameMertens

Squad number10Player nameE Hazard

Squad number9Player nameLukaku

Line-ups

Croatia

Formation 4-3-3

1Livakovic

22Juranovic6Lovren20Gvardiol19Sosa

10Modric11Brozovic8Kovacic

9Kramaric14Livaja4Perisic

Substitutes

Belgium

Formation 4-2-3-1

1Courtois

15Meunier2Alderweireld5Vertonghen21Castagne

19Dendoncker6Witsel

7De Bruyne14Mertens11Carrasco

17Trossard

Substitutes

Live Text

Match ends, Croatia 0, Belgium 0.

Second Half ends, Croatia 0, Belgium 0.

Foul by Youri Tielemans (Belgium).

Bruno Petkovic (Croatia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Substitution, Croatia. Lovro Majer replaces Mateo Kovacic.

Attempt saved. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) with an attempt from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Thorgan Hazard with a cross.

Jérémy Doku (Belgium) wins a free kick on the left wing.

Foul by Mario Pasalic (Croatia).

Substitution, Belgium. Eden Hazard replaces Thomas Meunier.

Attempt missed. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) left footed shot from very close range is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Thomas Meunier.

Attempt missed. Thomas Meunier (Belgium) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left.

Corner, Belgium. Conceded by Josko Gvardiol.

Foul by Timothy Castagne (Belgium).

Luka Modric (Croatia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Offside, Croatia. Bruno Petkovic tries a through ball, but Ivan Perisic is caught offside.

Attempt blocked. Jan Vertonghen (Belgium) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Thorgan Hazard with a cross.

Corner, Belgium. Conceded by Borna Sosa.

Foul by Youri Tielemans (Belgium).

Bruno Petkovic (Croatia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Substitution, Belgium. Youri Tielemans replaces Leander Dendoncker.

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