Croatia vs Belgium: World Cup 2022 - LIVE! Croatia scraped into the World Cup last 16 after a tension-filled 0-0 draw with Belgium that ensured the last hurrah of their opponents’ ‘golden generation’ ended in a dismal group-stage exit. Roberto Martinez’s side needed a win at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to keep their hopes alive but could not break down the Croats who finished as Group F runners up behind Morocco.
1669913462Croatia 0-0 Belgium, 90 minutesHow has he missed? Oh my! Brilliant football from Belgium, Jeremy Doku darting through the taller timbers like a wren through the hedgerow, creating room on the right for Thorgan Hazard. The younger Hazard crosses to the back, beating the leap of a defender, but Romelu Lukaku has failed to track its flight, letting it hit his chest. The ball still bounces goalwards, but not with the requisite power to beat Dominik Livakovic, who gratefully grasps it. 1669913343Croatia 0-0 Belgium, 88 minutesThe Belgian fans roar their disgust as Anthony Taylor halts Kevin De Bruyne after what looked a legally taken quick free kick to create space for a teammate. Taylor waves some organising hands before permitting the midfielder to take again.
But ultimately the striker will be judged on his goals - or lack of them. Is that it for this so-called Golden Generation? You’d imagine Roberto Martinez’s future likely lies elswhere. FIFA via Getty Images1669913926F/T! Croatia progress alongside Morocco with Belgium outBelgium exit the World Cup! They had their chances in that second half, but a 0-0 draw is enough for Croatia to hold on and join Morocco, who have beaten Canada to top the group, in progressing. 1669913647FULL TIME! CROATIA 0-0 BELGIUMAP1669913542Croatia 0-0 Belgium, 90 +1 minutesWhat a challenge from Josko Gvardiol! Lukaku is there again, ready to pounce as another ball seems set to spill his way, but Gvardiol somehow gets his foot in first to deny the striker. Four added minutes.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku fluffed four golden chances to break the deadlock as Belgium cast off the shackles in the second half, although Croatia, who would have gone home had they lost, had their own opportunities to find a winner. Martinez announced after the match that he would be leaving his role following the disappointing campaign, and with starts such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne already north of 30, Belgium’s best chance of World Cup glory might now have passed them. Live updates1669914158F/T: Croatia 0-0 BelgiumYou have to feel for Romelu Lukaku a bit. He arrived at this tournament having played so little this season, and his lack of match sharpness really, really showed as virtually every Belgium chance fell his way after a half-time introduction.