‘Give him a vacation in Split!’ – Lukaku trolled by Rakitic after big misses see Belgium crash out of 2022 World Cup against Croatia

Croatia legend Ivan Rakitic has trolled Romelu Lukaku after his costly World Cup misses, saying the striker should be given a “vacation in Split.” 

​Striker fluffed his lines at Qatar 2022Red Devils now heading homeCroatia march on into the last 16

WHAT HAPPENED? The Belgium international fluffed his lines badly during the final round of Group F fixtures on Thursday, with his inability to find the target resulting in a 0-0 draw that sent the Red Devils crashing out and edged the Croatians through into the last 16. Rakitic, who retired from duty with his country in 2020 with 106 caps to his name, has delighted in seeing Lukaku endure an off day in front of goal and has joked that he should be rewarded with a free holiday by the Adriatic Sea.

WHAT THEY SAID: Rakitic said in a video on Instagram as the final whistle blew in the crunch contest – which he ended by blowing a kiss to the camera: “Let’s go Lukaku! We have to give him a month of vacation in Split. Let’s go!”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Lukaku was left devastated after drawing a blank against Croatia and punched out a panel in one of the dugouts as his emotions spilled over. Former Inter team-mate Ivan Perisic was among those to try and console the Chelsea-owned frontman, and he told FIFA+ afterwards: I was with him for two or three minutes after the game. This is football, once you score, another time you miss. He’s a really strong player. Now I hope he can win as many trophies as possible with the Inter shirt. For us the most important thing was to pass the group. We played a good game, as did they. But I think, considering the three games, we deserved to go ahead in this World Cup.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT? A last-16 encounter with Japan on Monday is next up for Croatia, while Lukaku and Belgium’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ are preparing to head home after another disappointing showing at a major tournament that has seen manager Roberto Martinez walk away from his post.

 

 

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024