Belgium and its golden generation have fallen.
Unable to beat Croatia (0-0), the Belgians come out of this World Cup in the pools, four years after reaching the semi-finals against the Blues (1-0).
And Thursday at the Al-Rayyan stadium, a man embodies the bankruptcy of these Red Devils: their striker Romelu Lukaku.
Diminished by a left thigh injury before the start of the World Cup, the center-forward of Inter Milan (29) missed the inaugural victory against Canada (1-0) before playing only a handful of minutes during the setback against Morocco (0-2).
Against the Balkan players, his coach Roberto Martinez threw him on the lawn at the break in place of Dries Mertens to try to snatch a victory necessary to see the knockout stages.
An appearance that turned to Calvary.
In the 61st minute, his very heavy strike ended up on the Croatian left post.
But the worst is yet to come for the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker.
Alone at the far post, just in front of the empty goal, he was surprised by Thorgan Hazard's cross which bounced off his stomach before being caught by the goalkeeper (90').
An incredible failure.
Then in stoppage time, defender Josko Gvardiol deprives him of a new goal ball from a perfect tackle.
[🎞️VIDEO]🏆 #FIFAWorldCup
🇭🇷🇧🇪 Romelu Lukaku tried a lot... and failed a lot for Belgium!
👇 Small compilation 👇 #CROBEL #beINFWC2022 https://t.co/SkGRxVxRm7
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) December 1, 2022
Infuriating for the player, who let his anger burst after the meeting.
Romelu Lukaku spent his nerves on the sideline window by punching it.
🇧🇪 Romelu Lukaku who lets all his frustration explode at the final whistle by punching the window of the bench.
The Belgian striker is likely to remember this elimination for a long time … pic.twitter.com/fvKIuacRkl
– RMC Sport (@RMCsport) December 1, 2022
The 29-year-old striker also showed his immense disappointment.
The player, bent his head between his hands, received support from Thierry Henry.
The former striker of the Blues, assistant coach within the Belgian staff, came to comfort him by putting a hand on his back.
But Romelu Lukaku was inconsolable on Thursday.