Romelu Lukaku cuts annoyed determine after spurning clear possibilities in opposition to Croatia

Romelu Lukaku endured a torrid time within the match in opposition to Croatia, spurning clear possibilities as Belgium had been held 0-0 and exited the event from the Group stage itself.

After the match, the striker lower a anguished determine as he set free his frustrations on the plexiglass window of his crew’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 possibilities from point-blank vary within the dying minutes, diverting Thomas Meunier’s crisp shot vast after which trying 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 high the desk. Belgium had been third with 4 factors after profitable simply certainly one of their three video games.

Rather a lot has been manufactured from Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, a group of prodigious abilities from the largest golf equipment, who’ve perennially been among the many favourites at worldwide tournaments for the most effective a part of a decade.

Yet 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)