FIFA World Cup 2022: Romelu Lukaku in tears, consoled by Thierry Henry after Belgium crash out

FIFA World Cup 2022: Romelu Lukaku was reduced to tears and he smashed the Belgium dug-out to vent out his frustration after Belgium were knocked out in the group stages. Lukaku missed as many as 4 chances in their 0-0 draw vs Croatia.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Romelu Lukaku in tears, consoled by Thierry Henry after Belgium crash out (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Romelu Lukaku was inconsolable after he missed a couple of golden chances to salvage Belgium’s FIFA World Cup campaign on Thursday, December 1. The Inter Milan striker hit the post and missed a header opportunity in the final minute of their 0-0 draw to Croatia as the World No. 2 side made a shocking early exit from the tournament in Qatar.

Lukaku was in tears after the final whistle was blown at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The Inter striker was even seen smashing the panel of the Belgium dug-out as he was disappointed with himself.

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Belgium needed a victory to progress to the final after their loss to Morocco, who qualified for the Round of 16 after topping Group F following their 2-1 win over Canada on Thursday. However, a resolute defensive display from Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia and missed chances from Martinez’s men saw Belgium crash out.

The semi-finalists from the 2018 edition were not the bookmaker’s favorite but the World No. 2 side crashing out in the group stages comes as a big upset in what has been a thrill ride at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Henry tried to console as Lukaku buried his head into the shoulders of the France great, who was the assistant coach for Belgium in Qatar.

Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard were left distraught as well as Belgium’s golden generation fluffed what is possibly their last chance to win the World Cup.

It was also the first time Belgium, under Roberto Maritnez, were knocked out in the group stages of a major tournament.

Lukaku made the difference after coming on from the bench in the second half. The 29-year-old had been dealing with hamstring injuries and looked rusty after having played only 38 minutes since August before the final Group F match. Lukaku missed as many as 4 chances, including a couple that he should have put away. The Belgium striker came close to scoring when he hit the woodwork in the 61st minute after latching onto a rebound after Juranovic saved Carassco’s shot.

He then had an open goal to aim at in the following minute but his header flew over the post. However, replays showed that the ball had gone out of play before Kevin de Bruyne’s cross from the left.