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Croatia advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday after a 0-0 draw against Belgium, whose group-stage exit will likely usher in the breakup of its talented but underachieving generation of players. Belgium was eliminated after scoring one goal in three games and failed to live up to its status as the second-ranked team and one of the tournament favorites.
Needing a win to be sure of advancing, Belgium produced its best performance of the World Cup and wasted two clear chances that fell to Romelu Lukaku. The halftime substitute struck a shot against the post and failed to control a ball that bounced off his chest. What has long been called Belgium's "Golden Generation" - now featuring six players with more than 100 appearances - is set to split up with a World Cup semifinal appearance in 2018 as its peak.
We reflect on the missed opportunities and pivotal moments during the game between Belgium and Croatia.
1. Another miss from Lukaku
It was during the 90th-minute mark that it appeared as if Lukaku would make-up for his earlier missed opportunities by firing Belgium into the Round of 16. But it was just not his day. and truth be told, it was astounding. Thorgan Hazard delivered a brilliant cross into the box from the right flank which beat Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic at the near post. Defender Dejan Lovren then mistimed his jump and the ball fell kindly for Lukaku just five yards between the wide-open post. The Belgian striker couldn't convert it into a goal.
2. Gvardiol makes a name for himself
Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, who is just 20 years old, put on an exemplary display against Belgium and the icing on the cake moment came for him during the stoppage time. A threatening ball came into the box and Lukaku was primed to redeem himself, this time from four yards out. But Gvardiol made a stunning tackle by stretching his leg as far out as it is humanly possible. Cool, calm and composed.
3. One miss after another for Lukaku
At the 87th-minute mark, Meunier teed up Lukaku inside the box. The Belgian striker was again just four yards out from the opposition's goal but he failed miserably. Lukaku couldn't sort his feet out and dragged his shot wide of the target. Simply baffling!
4. Post denies Lukaku
At the 61st-minute mark, Lukaku had his first golden opportunity to put Belgium ahead. But guess what? The Red Devils' strike failed. It was close to a wide-open opportunity as no Croatian player was in close proximity to Lukaku but the Belgian's head hit the post.
(With agency inputs)
