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Goalless draw sends Croatia through and Belgium packing

Goalless draw sends Croatia through and Belgium packing

Caitlin Dillon

Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup in their final Group F match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as they played out a 0-0 draw with Croatia, who will advance to the round of 16.

Roberto Martinez's side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have achieved just one win in three matches.

Perisic nearly put Croatia ahead inside ten seconds with a chance from the off, getting forward but sent the shot wide of the far post.

Then, De Bruyne put Mertens through on goal, but Mertens squandered the opportunity, skying it over the bar.

Despite being aware that only a win would send their team through, Belgium put in a disappointing display against Croatia in a match where the sides playing styles largely cancelled each other out. They went into into half time almost equal possession, with neither side having had a shot on target.

Romelu Lukaku came on in the second half and had numerous chances, but failed to convert any.

2018 finalists Croatia only needed a single point to advance to the round of 16, and dug deep during stoppage time to prevent it from being snatched away.

Group F end the group stages with Morocco at the top on seven points, after a 2-1 victory over Canada. Croatia sit in second place on five points, while Belgium and Canada bow out of the competition, sitting in third place with four points, and fourth place with zero points, respectively.

Group E’s matches kick off at 10pm Doha time, with Japan taking on Spain at Khalifa International Stadium, and Costa Rica facing Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.