FIFA World Cup 2022: Romelu Lukaku broke down in tears as he walked out of the Belgium dugout to vent his frustration after being knocked out in the group stage. Lukaku missed 4 chances in their 0-0 draw against Croatia.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Romelu Lukaku in tears, consoled by Thierry Henry after Belgium’s crash (AFP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: Romelu Lukaku was inconsolable after missing some golden chances to salvage Belgium’s FIFA World Cup campaign on Thursday, 1 December. The Inter Milan striker hit the post and missed a header in the final minute of their 0-0 draw with Croatia. As the world No. 2 team made an early exit from the tournament in Qatar.
Lukaku broke down in tears after the final whistle at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. The Inter striker was also seen smashing the panels of the Belgian dug out as he was frustrated with himself.
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Belgium needed a win to reach the final after losing to Morocco, who qualified for the last 16 by topping Group F after a 2-1 win over Canada on Thursday. However, a resolute defensive display from Croatia from Zlatko Dalić and a miss from Martinez’s men sent Belgium crashing out.
The semi-finalists of the 2018 edition were not bookmakers’ favorites but the world No. 2 side crashed out in the group stages, a major upset in what looks to be an exciting ride at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Henry tried to console as Lukaku buried his head in the shoulders of the France great, who was Belgium’s assistant coach in Qatar.
Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were distraught as were Belgium’s golden generation in what is possibly their last chance to win the World Cup.
It was also the first time that Belgium, under Roberto Mariténez, had been eliminated in the group stages of a major tournament.
Lukaku made the difference after coming off the bench in the second half. The 29-year-old had been battling a hamstring injury and was rusty after playing only 38 minutes since August before the final Group F match. Lukaku missed 4 chances, including a couple that should have put him away. The Belgium striker came close to scoring when he hit the woodwork in the 61st minute after Juranovic latched onto a rebound after Carrasco’s shot had been saved.
He then had an open goal to aim for in the next minute but his header flew over the post. However, replays showed the ball had gone out of play before Kevin De Bruyne crossed from the left.