Romelu Lukaku endured a torrid time within the match towards Croatia, spurning clear probabilities as Belgium had been held 0-0 and exited the match from the Group stage itself.
After the match, the striker reduce a anguished determine as he set free his frustrations on the plexiglass window of his workforce’s dugout. He was additionally caught on digicam breaking down and crying and being consoled by assistant supervisor Thierry Henry.
For Lukaku’s first missed probability, Carrasco stormed by way of on aim earlier than his path was blocked and the ball discovered its method to Lukaku who in some way hit the publish with the aim gaping. He then inexplicably headed over from shut vary, though replays confirmed De Bruyne had in all probability taken the ball out of play earlier than crossing.
Romelu Lukaku, in tears, being consoled by #BEL assistant supervisor Thierry Henry at full-time 😢 #FIFAWorldCup #TSWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Zbftt7PXZB
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 1, 2022
Lukaku missed two probabilities from point-blank vary within the dying minutes, diverting Thomas Meunier’s crisp shot huge after which wanting on bemused because the ball bounced into his midriff with the aim at his mercy earlier than it bobbled harmlessly to the keeper.
Croatia, who subsequent play the winners of Group E, completed with 5 factors, two behind Morocco who beat already-eliminated Canada 2-1 to prime the desk. Belgium had been third with 4 factors after successful simply certainly one of their three video games.
So much has been manufactured from Belgium’s ‘golden era’, a set of prodigious abilities from the most important golf equipment, who’ve perennially been among the many favourites at worldwide tournaments for the perfect a part of a decade.
But they’ve by no means tasted glory and with the brightest lights, similar to Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, already north of 30, it’s unlikely they’ll get one other probability on the World Cup.
(With Reuters inputs)