Croatia scraped into the World Cup last 16 after a tension-filled 0-0 draw with Belgium that ensured the last hurrah of their opponents’ ‘golden generation’ ended in a dismal group-stage exit.
Roberto Martinez’s side needed a win at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to keep their hopes alive but could not break down the Croats who finished as Group F runners up behind Morocco. Substitute Romelu Lukaku fluffed four golden chances to break the deadlock as Belgium cast off the shackles in the second half, although Croatia, who would have gone home had they lost, had their own opportunities to find a winner.
Martinez announced after the match that he would be leaving his role following the disappointing campaign, and with starts such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne already north of 30, Belgium’s best chance of World Cup glory might now have passed them.
