WATCH: Lukaku misses THREE sitters in terrible second-half performance as Belgium eliminated from World Cup

Romelu Lukaku missed three sitters in a single half as Belgium crashed out of the World Cup with a goalless draw against Croatia on Thursday. 

​Lukaku missed three sitters in 45 minutesGoalless draw means Belgium out of World CupFirst group stage exit since 1998

FIRST MISS: Lukaku’s first opportunity came after Yannick Carrasco’s effort from close range was blocked by defender Josip Juranovic, which laid the ball into the striker’s path. However, the out-of-sorts forward could only find the post from close range with most of the goal to aim at.

Romelu Lukaku can’t believe it! ?

The post denies ?? Belgium a crucial goal ❌?

? Warning signs for Croatia! ?

??? Watch on @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds and via the @BBCSport app#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 1, 2022

What a chance for Lukaku ? pic.twitter.com/uxD6XogOvF

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022

SECOND MISS: Barely 180 seconds later, the Inter man missed his second chance after inexplicably heading over from close range. A misjudgement from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saw Lukaku free at the back stick but the forward couldn’t find the target, although he may have been saved by the ball going out of play from the cross.

The ball was over the line but Belgium continues to get chances in the second half ?? pic.twitter.com/6MGi8kRLyT

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022

THIRD MISS: If the first two misses were bad, the third was the worst. With 90 minutes on the clock, Thorgan Hazard was forced wide but picked out a near perfect cross over Dejan Lovren to find Lukaku free at the back stick. However, the 29-year-old didn’t appear to expect the pass, with the ball hitting his midrift and falling safely into Livakovic’s gloves.

This was that last big chance for Belgium ??

Romelu Lukaku just couldn’t guide it home ?

??? Reaction on @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds and via the @BBCSport app#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 1, 2022

HOW WAS THIS NOT A GOAL FOR BELGIUM?! ?

Lukaku with another massive miss pic.twitter.com/t07SuTTqTz

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Lukaku’s failure to hit the target from three golden opportunities saw Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ crash out at of the World Cup group stages for the first time since 1998. It has been a turbulent ride for Roberto Martinez’s side, with rifts visible both on and off the pitch, which comes to a bitterly disappointing end as the Red Devils finish third in Group F.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

DID YOU KNOW? Belgium named a starting XI with an average age of 31 years and 95 days for this match, the oldest for any side at the World Cup since Australia vs Germany in 2010.

 

 

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024