Belgium was eliminated from the World Cup after Croatia played to a goalless draw on Thursday.
The Red Devils entered Group F knowing that a draw will only be enough if Morocco loses against Canada.
However, the Atlas Lions quickly took a two-goal lead, forcing Belgium to push for victory at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Belgium had their chances, many of which were denied by Romelu Lukaku in the last half hour as Croatia progressed to the last 16 as runners-up, while Morocco held on for victory in Doha.
Within 10 seconds of the start, Croatia almost beat Belgium as they took an early lead. Ivan Perisic shoots off goal against Leander Dendoncker.
The early wake-up call certainly benefited Belgium as Yannick Carrasco forced a save from Dominik Livakovic shortly after Roberto Martinez’s team knew Morocco had taken the lead in the second half.
Belgium then went clear through Kevin De Bruyne, who played through a seemingly perfect ball to Dries Mertens, but the experienced striker could only send it high over the bar.
Croatia thought they had won a penalty shortly after Carrasco brought down Andrej Kramaric only for Belgium to be flagged offside after VAR curiously asked the referee to make a decision on display rather than relying on the technique.
The incident dampened the early energy of the game, which Croatia benefited from when Morocco took a 2-0 lead against Canada and mostly stayed on top without creating anything of note.
In the fourth minute of added time, Josip Juranovic shot from the edge of the penalty box, to once again emphasize Belgium’s need for a change at the break.
The move was started by Lukaku, who quickly found himself at the back post, but Croatia responded with relentless pressure at the other end.
Both Marcelo Brozovic and Modric started with well-directed efforts from around 18 metres, and Courtois had to be careful to save each effort towards goal.
However, Belgium had to continue. When Carrasco was cleared on the last block, the ball jumped over the barrel of Lukaku, who from eight meters hit the inside post.
Lukaku also missed from close range, although the ball had already passed, but the country’s record scorer did not believe in the final third.
While both teams had their moments, clear chances were few and far between until Lukaku made his second chance after four minutes when the substitute hit the post with a powerful close range chance.
An even better opening soon after when Thorgan Hazard’s perfect cross found Lukaku at the back post, but the Inter Milan striker failed to realize the ball was coming his way and it bounced into the hands of a grateful Livakovic.
In stoppage time, a massive save from Josko Guardioli prevented Lukaku from scoring from three meters and proved to be the last chance as Croatia secured their place in the knockout stages.
Lineups:
Croatia Replacements: Stanisic, Barisic, Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Vlasic, Pasalic, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic
Belgium Replacements: Theate, Faes, Tielemans, Lukaku, E. Hazard, Mignolet, Casteels, T. Hazard, Vanaken, de Ketelaere, Batshuayi, Openda, Doku, Debast
Yellow Cards:
Leander Dendoncker
