Romelu Lukaku missed a host of quality chances for Belgium as they suffered a 0-0 draw against Croatia, which sees them fail to qualify for the last 16. With Morocco securing victory over Canada in the other final Group F fixture, Belgium needed all three points against Croatia but Kevin De Bruyne and co. failed to do so in a disappointing World Cup campaign in Qatar. So, here’s our Belgium player ratings for their draw against Croatia.
Belgium (4-2-3-1):
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Had a much busier second half and made a number of saves to deny the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric. Did his job well when needed.
Thomas Meunier – 6.5
Ivan Perisic gave him problems in first quarter of the game but he improved as the match went on.
Toby Alderweireld – 7
Won a couple of decent challenges and made some good clearances.
Jan Vertonghen – 7.5
Solid in possession and did well in defense when called upon.
Timothy Castagne – 6.5
Looked assured in his performance and was accurate in possession. Solid defensively.
Leander Dendoncker – 6.5
Won possession back well a couple of times in the midfield and was also incredibly accurate in possession.
Axel Witsel – 6
Made a couple of headed clearances and also made a couple of interceptions.
Leandro Trossard – 5
Dropped into pockets of space in between the defense and midfield but struggled to influence the game much before he was subbed off just before the hour mark.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Played a host of key through balls throughout the game here and was the most influential player on the pitch. Played a well-timed ball in behind for Dries Mertens in the first half but the former Napoli forward missed the target. Played an excellent ball in the build-up to Lukaku hitting the post on the hour mark. Frustrating World Cup for the Manchester City man.
Yannick Carrasco – 6
Picked the ball up in a few dangerous positions over on the left flank in the opening phases but his impact dwindled as the game progressed. Should have got a shot away after picking the ball up from a great De Bruyne ball on the hour mark but allowed Josip Juranovic to get back and make a crucial tackle.
Dries Mertens – 5.5
Squandered a couple of decent chances in the first half, including one that was played through by De Bruyne. Was a little sloppy in possession and also should have done better just before the break too with an opportunity from close range. Replaced by Romelu Lukaku at half time.
Substitutions
Romelu Lukaku – 6
Made an impact when he came on but was lacking in match sharpness. Got his head on a De Bruyne cross soon after coming on but only forced a routine save for Dominik Livakovic. Struck the post with a glorious chance on the hour mark, flicked the ball wide from a Meunier shot late on and also squandered a golden opportunity from just a few yards out with his chest in injury time. Had plenty of chances to save Belgium’s World Cup but couldn’t do so in his short cameo in Qatar.
Thorgan Hazard – N/A
Youri Tielemans – N/A
Jeremy Doku – 6
Was full of energy when he came on and threatened with his pace.