It was a crucial match-up in Group F as Leander Dendoncker’s Belgium took on Croatia. Here’s how things unfolded at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium…
Having missed the previous fixture against Morocco, Leander Dendoncker was brought back into the starting lineup, this time in a midfield role with head coach Roberto Martinez shifting the formation. Belgium started the day in third and so a win was all but necessary to qualify to the knockout rounds.
The first half, as expected, was a tight affair but it was clear that Belgium’s change of shape had a positive impact. Dries Mertens was presented with a golden chance in the 13th minute after good build up play between Dendoncker and Kevin De Bruyne – the former Napoli striker blazed the effort well over Dominik Livaković’s goal however.
Minutes later, Croatia were awarded a penalty after Andrej Kramarić was fouled by Yannick Carrasco. A VAR check denied Luka Modrić a chance from 12 yards though as referee Anthony Taylor called for an offside and the scores remained level. There was very little attacking intent from either side for the remainder of the half and a distinct lack of intensity at both ends of the pitch. 0-0 at the break.
The second half began at an exciting pace and there were a couple of early chances at both goals. Substitute Romelu Lukaku had a back post header easily claimed by Dominik Livaković, whilst Mateo KovaÄŤić’s effort was tipped wide by Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian No.1 was called into action moments later too, denying both Marcelo Brozović and Modrić’s low attempts.
On the hour mark, it was The Red Devils turn to attack and both Carrasco and Lukaku had opportunities in front of goal. The winger’s initial shot was well blocked before the No.9 struck the post. Soon after, Lukaku had another chance after a mix up at the back, but the Inter Milan forward’s header narrowly missed the target.
Dendoncker would then pick up the game’s first yellow card for a foul on KovaÄŤić and was replaced by Leicester’s Youri Tielemans in the 72nd minute. Belgium saw more of the ball in the closing stages and the final chance fell to Lukaku in the 90th minute, but the 29 year-old failed to convert from three yards out after Dejan Lovren misjudged the cross – the game finished goalless.
PLAYER RATING
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With this result, Leander Dendoncker and Belgium are sadly knocked out of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, finishing third in Group F on four points behind Morocco (1st) and Croatia (2nd). This is just the second time in eight World Cup appearances where the Western European side have failed to get out of their group.
Meanwhile, Morocco will play the runners up of Group E and Croatia will face the winners in the round of sixteen.
GROUP TABLE
Here’s how the final Group F table looks…
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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