Croatia progressed to their first-ever back-to-back appearances in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup (WC) following a hard-fought 0-0 draw that sees Belgium eliminated.
After opening the scoring in four of their last five matches against nations ranked inside the top 10 of FIFA’s World Rankings, Croatia were inches from taking a very early lead.
Knowing only a victory would be enough to progress to the knockout stages with Morocco doubling their lead, the footballing gods handed Roberto Martínez’s side a much-needed reprieve shortly after the quarter-hour.
In the knowledge that a point would be enough to cement their place in the Round of 16, Croatia began the second half brightly, as Thibaut Courtois was forced into a hat-trick of sublime saves to prevent Zlatko Dalić’s side from taking the lead.
Despite the introduction of Romelu Lukaku at HT, Belgium remained on the back foot approaching the hour-mark as they headed for a demoralising group-stage elimination from the tournament.
In contrast, Martínez’s faith in an ageing golden generation will be the main talking point as the second-ranked nation in world football failed to make their way out of the group stages.
