Shockingly, Belgium was knocked out of the World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Croatia on Thursday, and Romelu Lukaku had several chances to avoid it.
The team ranked No. 2 in the world finished third in Group F of the competition. Croatia and Morocco advanced to the round of 16 from the group.
Following the disappointing match, Arsenal and France legend Romelu Lukaku. Henry is on the Belgium coaching staff.
However, Lukaku’s mood quickly changed from sadness to frustration as he made his way to the Belgium bench. The 29-year-old striker was seen screaming. Then he opened a plastic window that covered the dugout. Midfielder Youri Tielemans and an assistant coach from Belgium tried to comfort the star as he sat on the bench.
Lukaku’s time at the World Cup was certainly frustrating. Normally a mainstay in Roberto MartÃnez’s front line, the striker has been dealing with injuries for months. In fact, he has only played five games in total for the Inter Milan club so far during the current campaign.
Persistent hamstring and biceps injuries have forced the star to sit on the sidelines for much of the season. Obviously, these setbacks have affected his international duties as well.
Lukaku not in top form for Belgium at the World Cup
Lukaku has only made one start for Belgium in over a year. His last competitive place in a starting XI for MartÃnez was a UEFA Nations League game with the Netherlands in June. However, the forward only lasted 27 minutes before leaving the game with injury.
These injuries hampered any chance of Lukaku starting during the World Cup. Lukaku’s appearance on Thursday came as a substitute once again. Despite coming on after the break, the striker had five shots on goal against Croatia. He even hit the post at one point in the second half. Commentator Landon Donovan claimed that Lukaku could have had a hat trick in his cameo.
However, the injured striker couldn’t help but lead the ‘Golden Generation’ to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup. The defeat almost certainly ends any hope of the group collecting a major trophy and also marks the likely end of the Martinez’s reign with Belgium.
PHOTO: IMAGO / image agency
