Belgium have been eliminated from the ongoing FIFA World Cup after they played a goalless draw with Croatia in Qatar.
The Belgians finished third in Russia four years ago and are presently ranked second in the world. They have endured a largely disappointing tournament with just one victory and just one goal in their three group stage matches.
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Roberto Martinez’s side displayed a lacklustre performance against Croatia despite the awareness that only victory could guarantee progress to the last 16.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku failed to convert the many chances that came his way. The Inter Milan man, who’s still seeking to return to top fitness following injury, hit the post in the second half.
2018 finalists Croatia grabbed the much needed draw to progress to the last 16. The Croats finished as runners-up in Group F. Interestingly, one of African representatives Morocco finished top of the group after a commendable 2-1 win against Canada.
Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Belgium’s manager after the team was eliminated from the World Cup.
Germany’s World Cup woes continue
Germany are also out of the FIFA World Cup in a night full of drama. Despite their 4-2 win over Costa Rica, Die Mannschaft crashed out of the World Cup – albeit narrowly.
Japan’s debatable 2-1 win over Spain would have eliminated Germany anyway, but Hansi Flick’s side needed maximum points to give themselves any ray of hope of making it to the round of 16.
Germany ended the group in third position and were eliminated on goal difference – Spain and Germany finished with four points each.
The story could have been a different one after Japan’s winning goal was initially cancelled because the officials thought the ball had gone out of play before it was buried in the net, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR.
The 2014 World Cup winners were in absolute control and went ahead through Serge Gnabry’s 10th-minute header. However, Costa Rica turned the match on its head to raise the huge possibility of Spain also getting eliminated.
Teltsin Tejeda equalised after Germany keeper Manuel Neuer pushed out Kendall Waston’s header in the 58th minute. However, Neuer was deemed to have the final touch for the second goal 12 minutes later when Juan Pablo Vargas bundled in from close range.
At that point, Costa Rica were going through alongside Japan, and Spain were heading for the exit.
Havertz’s clinicality not enough
Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, who came off the bench, scored two clinical finishes to destroy Costa Rica’s hopes of causing a major upset.
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Another substitute Niclas Fullkrug completed scoring with a last-minute goal to secure the win. The win was of no consolation as the Germans failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the second successive time.
The match witnessed an all-female officiating team take charge of a men’s World Cup game for the first time. France’s Stephanie Frappart was the referee and she was joined by assistant referees Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico.
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