Belgium’s World Cup Dream Ends After Goalless Draw With Croatia
The goalless draw meant Morocco, Africa’s representative, topped group F, with 7 points, while Croatia placed second with 5 points. Both have qualified for the round of sixteen, while Belgium leaves Qatar with 4 points, and Canada returns home with no points earned.
Belgium’s World Cup Dream ended after a goalless draw against Croatia at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Qatar earlier today. The early exit was not expected of Belgium, ranked second by FIFA in the world and with stars in the big leagues of Europe.
Croatia began the game with gravitas and shot wide of goal in the game’s early minutes. The Croats made good attacking moves, but Thibaut Courtois, between the goalpost, provided safe hands for Belgium all through the evening. Luka Modric held his own in the midfield for the Croatians, who were determined not to lose control of midfield action.
The introduction of Belgium’s star players, Eden Hazard and Romelo Lukaku, added bite to Belgium’s attacking squadron. But Lukaku, a star striker with Inter Milan of Italy, was in stiff form on the night. He squandered all chances that fell to him, hitting the upright once in the game.
Belgium’s relentless forays continued till the game’s dying seconds, but the Croatians came to the party with a rock-solid defensive formation. In Belgium’s attacking forays, Kevin De Bruyne produced many good crosses and passes but connecting and final touches from his teammates were not fatal in the opponent’s box.
The goalless draw meant Morocco, Africa’s representative, topped group F, with 7 points, while Croatia placed second with 5 points. Both have qualified for the round of sixteen, while Belgium leaves Qatar with 4 points, and Canada returns home with no points earned.
*Image Source: @FIFAWorldCup
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