Croatia 0 Belgium 0: Red Devils’ Golden Generation OUT of World Cup as Luka Modric and Co snatch second behind Morocco

ROMELU LUKAKU was doubled up in tears as Belgium exited the World Cup at the group stage.

The chances fell his way in the second period to get the goal they needed to progress – but he somehow missed them from close range.

AlamyBelgium have been dumped out of the World Cup at the group stage[/caption]

GettyLuka Modric and Dejan Lovren celebrate after Croatia sealed second spot after the goalless draw[/caption]

PARomelu Lukaku missed a series of chances to save the Red Devils after coming off the bench[/caption]

GettyThe striker burst into tears at full time as he was consoled by coach Thierry Henry[/caption]

It needed Belgium assistant Thierry Henry to console him at the end.

So the Golden Generation comes to an end with a very rusty showing in Qatar as Croatian and Morocco progressed from their group.

Belgium, the team that could and maybe even should have won it four years ago, out.

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne said ahead of the tournament that this team was too old now lift the World Cup… And he was right.

Their time had come and gone and there was no turning back of the clock here at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Eden Hazard, 31, for so long their talisman did not even start the game.

Their coach Roberto Martinez may not now take charge of another one as Red Devils boss

What a terrible showing it has been from a country who came into the tournament second in the FIFA rankings.

They did not deserve their 1-0 win over Canada, who were beaten 2-1 by Morocco, and now this.

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Timothy Castagne had said on the eve of the game that confidence was only around the six or seven mark.

At times it looked lower than that.

Perhaps the fall-out from that defeat by Morocco really hadn’t gone away.

It was said that Lukaku had to intervene when a row broke out between De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Eden Hazard.

A Monday meeting and barbecue was supposed to clear the air but maybe that was as undercooked as the team tonight.

Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic said his side would not just play for the point they needed to progress but they seemed very comfortable with how the game was going and did not really push the issue, even if it meant finishing second in the group.

They had been awarded a 15th minute penalty that probably would have finished the issue off there and then.

Andrej Kramaric reached for a loose ball in the box and was felled by Yannick Carrasco.

No complaints as English referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and everyone was lined up and ready for Luka Modric to take the kick.

Then Taylor was called to the off pitch to screen to review the situation and he agreed that Dejan Lovren was just offside when the first ball was played into the area and had interfered with play.

A let off for Belgium who barely threatened at the other end in the first period.

They looked happy to sit deep and play on the break.

To be fair that nearly worked shortly before the penalty award when Kevin de Bruyne charged half the length of the field and laid the ball off to Dries Mertens but his finish was woeful curling a shot way over the bar.

ReutersCroatia were fuming when a penalty awarded to them was overturned[/caption]

BBCFans were fuming and claimed it was only the sleeve that was offside[/caption]

With little happening upfront Martinez called for Lukaku from the bench despite his only football since the end of October had been the final ten minutes in the defeat to Morocco.

Still the chances came for him to be the hero for Belgium on the night and there was a big one on the hour.

De Bruyne charged through the middle again and fed Carrasco who bore down on goal only to have his close range shot blocked by the outstretched leg of Juranovic.

The ball ran loose to Lukaku but with half a goal to aim at he hit the inside of the right-hand upright.

He would have his head in his hands moments later when De Bruyne’s cross evaded the clasping hand of Dominik Livakovic leaving him a free header which he put over the bar.

He might be relieved to hear that it would not have stood in any case as the ball was out of play when De Bruyne crossed.

But there would have been no problem four minutes from the end of normal time had he been able to turn Thomas Meurnier’s cross shot in with a flick from close range but the ball went the wrong side of the near post.

Another chance fell his way when Thorgan Hazard crossed into the six yard box but for some reason Lukaku chested the ball sideways with the goal at his mercy.

His look of desperation would be reflected amongst all the Belgium squad when not long after the final whistle blew.