Belgium have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar.
Croatia, finalists in 2018, got the point they needed to progress from Group F as runners-up, with Morocco taking top spot thanks to a 2-1 win against Canada.
This Belgium side were ranked number one in the world in February and their collection of star names have been fancied to do well in recent tournaments – but this is the latest in a list of disappointments for their supporters.
On the biggest stages, their ‘golden generation’ has not lived up to expectations, failing to reach a major final despite their array of talented players.
Belgium, whose key players are approaching the latter stages of their careers, probed for a breakthrough at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium but even Kevin de Bruyne – captain in place of the dropped Eden Hazard – could not inspire his side.
Croatia had the best chances in a poor first half as Ivan Perisic fired wide while Andrej Kramaric thought he had won a penalty following a foul by Yannick Carrasco, but the decision was cancelled by VAR for offside.
Lukaku’s introduction had an immediate impact as he pounced on a rebound from Carrasco’s shot but struck it against the inside of the post.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric went close when his poked effort was held by club-mate Thibaut Courtois in a rare Croatia second-half attack.
But the biggest chances fell Lukaku’s way, not least in the closing minutes when he deflected a cross wide then was slow to react and allowed the ball to hit his body and fall tamely into the goalkeeper’s arms from about two yards out.
Croatia were not especially convincing – their most threatening moment was a first-half penalty award being ruled out by VAR because of an offside infringement in the build-up – but did enough to secure progression.
They did however look a level below what they showed to reach the final in Russia four years ago and their celebrations were fairly subdued after scraping through.
Zlatko Dalic’s side will face the winners of Group E – which is currently Spain – in the last