On December 2, 2022, Beijing time, the final round of the Group F group stage of the Qatar World Cup officially kicked off this evening. In the match between Croatia and Belgium, the two sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes, Croatia advanced to the second place in the group, and the Belgium team was out of the group.
Before the match, Croatia led the group standings with four points from one win and one draw in their first two group games. Belgium, on the other hand, are third in the group with three points from one win and one loss. This match is a competition to determine the promotion quota. As long as Croatia doesn't lose, they will advance. Belgium will have to beat Croatia to secure promotion!
In the starting line-up, Croatia continued the starting line-up from the previous round, while Belgium made very big changes, Carrasco, Mertens started, and De Bruyne became captain. Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku sat on the bench.
Belgium has a line-up without a striker. In the first half of the game, Carrasco and Mertens often changed positions. Kevin De Bruyne sent in precise passes on several occasions. But none of them could break down. On the Croatian side, under the leadership of Modric, sporadic counterattacks have also shown opportunities! But none of them are well grasped! The pace of the two sides was very fast at the beginning, with De Bruyne and Modric in midfield becoming the engines of their respective teams! The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
Second half of the showdown! Belgium replaced striker Romelu Lukaku. Belgium's attacking threat is great. But it can only be said that Lukaku is not in good shape! Ten years ago, Romelu Lukaku made his international debut against Croatia. In this game, Lukaku missed three must-score chances.
Croatia, after withstanding the onslaught of the Belgian team, threatened the Belgian goal continuously in the middle of the second half! Belgium goalkeeper Courtois played bravely, saving Croatia's must-have goals on several occasions. In the final moments of the match, Belgium replaced Eden Hazard and they formed a siege against Croatia! But the goal is lacking! In the end, the two teams shook hands 0:0 and drew them.
In the group standings, Croatia advanced to second place in the group with five points. Belgium has 4 points, unfortunately out! This is the end of the Belgian team's golden generation. De Bruyne's team of Belgium, for a period of time, ranked in the top three positions in the world, but it is a pity that it did not succeed in the end, like Carrasco in the team, and other players, have passed the golden period, this Belgium, it is indeed a pity!