Croatia vs Belgium: Following 0-0 tie with the Croatian side that advanced the 2018 runners-up to the elimination round. Romelu Lukaku wasted a series of golden opportunities as the red devils exited the World Cup in the playoffs. Early in a mostly boring first half, VAR problematically overturned a penalty verdict for Croatia. Lukaku’s entrance at halftime altered the course of the match. But he made three terrible errors as Zlatko Dalic’s team relied on fortune to triumph..
Following a dismal 0-0 draw versus Croatia on Thursday, Belgium was eliminated from the World Cup.
To advance past the group stage, Roberto Martinez’s team needed to defeat the World Cup champions of 2018, however, they weren’t prepared to score. Romelu Lukaku entered the game when the skipper Eden Hazard was benched. And he missed four significant opportunities as Belgium’s disastrous World Cup run finally ended.
Croatia vs Belgium: Roberto Martinez’s side struggled to charge
Croatia vs Belgium: Croatia advances through to the next round 16, but only after finishing in 2nd place in the standings behind Morocco. Which defeated the Canadians 2-1 to take the first position.
In third place just 4 years ago and number one in the overall standings until relatively recent times. Roberto Martinez’s team struggled to keep up in Qatar. Notwithstanding a 2nd half-improved performance that gave Romelu Lukaku several scoring opportunities. They failed to secure the triumph they required as Morocco defeated Canada. Ivan Perisic’s attempt went well over the crossbar within the initial seconds as Croatia took control from the starting whistle.
After 14 mins, Belgium immediately counterattacked. But Dries Mertens wasn’t able to reach the goal following a superb through pass from Kevin de Bruyne.
Croatia vs Belgium: VAR comes in rescue of the Belgians
After less than a moment, Yannick Carrasco found to have fouled Andrej Kramaric from within the penalty box, earning Croatia a penalty.
Referee Anthony Taylor summoned to the screen by the VAR. As Luka Modric was preparing to shoot the penalty kick. And the judgment reversed for an offside throughout the sequence.
The remainder of the first half was tight, but the contest picked up after halftime. Thibaut Courtois of the Belgian side, who was called upon early on, stopped Croatia on three different instances.
After coming on in the 2nd half, Lukaku of Inter Milan wasted two great opportunities in a short sequence.
Croatia vs Belgium: Lukaku misses great chances for the red devils
Croatia vs Belgium: Lukaku was the quickest to react to a chance just after the 60-minute mark, and he was able to hit the crossbar from long proximity with the goalie out of position.
With the opportunity at his disposal, the attacker then blasted another simple attempt over the bar.
The striker continued to squander two further open opportunities as Croatia held off late attempts from Belgium. Lukaku‘s performance just wasn’t good.
After preserving a sluggish Belgium to a 0-0 draw, Croatia easily advanced to the round of 16, knocking off their European rivals’ “generation of players” with little fanfare.
In the end, Zlatko Dalic’s team finished 2nd in Group F, behind Morocco. Who defeated already-eliminated Canadians 2-1 to clinch the group’s top position.
Courtois’ Brilliance in the Box
Croatia vs Belgium: After a dull first half in which neither team managed to register a chance on goal, Belgium substituted attacker Romelu Lukaku, but Croatia came out firing. Forcing successive clearances by Thibaut Courtois against Marcelo Brozovic with Luka Modric. On the 60-minute mark, Lukaku sent a ferocious effort from close quarters that struck the post. But Croatia held firm to prolong their undefeated streak in the World Cup preliminary stage to 6 games. Belgium pressed hard for the winner that would advance them.
Although Croatia was lacking in substance had a penalty disallowed by VAR in the first half owing to an infringement in the buildup—they managed to advance.
Belgium’s Wonder Generation Couldn’t Make it Further
However, they appeared to be performing at a standard beneath what they did to get to the tournament in Russia 4 years ago. And even post-scramble jubilation was very quiet.
At the end of the game, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer sobbed in the hands of mentor Thierry Henry before furiously punching a board out of the pit. However, his fellow players had once again performed poorly, with only a very close. Later-reviewed offside call preventing Croatia from receiving a sanction in the first half and Thibaut Courtois being to the test at the moment.
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