'Biggest let down that modern football has seen': Football community reacts as Belgium head home
Belgium have been eliminated from the World Cup following their disappointing 0-0 draw to Croatia on Thursday.
The world's second-ranked side were left to rue a series of missed chances by Romelu Lukaku in the second half as they went out after scoring only one goal in three Group F matches.
Belgium saw their run of reaching at least the quarter-finals at four straight major tournaments come to an abrupt end.
With the squad boasting the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku, to name a few, Belgium's "Golden Generation" will likely end without major silverware.
Here are some reactions from Twitter:
Our 2022 World Cup ends tonight. #CROBEL #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/EaiGyTAAoQ
Lukaku has almost single-handedly ensured that Belgium don’t qualify. I’ve never seen anything like this… how do you miss three sitters in one half?!?!
Belgium's golden generation ends with no World Cup trophy ?????? pic.twitter.com/www8UFZvAE
Belgium’s “golden generation” have been the biggest let down that modern international football has seen.Not a single impressive run in any major competition. Not a single major final.It’s just high FIFA rankings and vibes. No real big moments. Nothing.
Belgium's golden generation ends with getting eliminated in the quarter finals vs. Argentina at the 2014 World Cup, third place in 2018 and eliminated in the group stages at the 2022 World Cup. On the pitch, not much of a generation. Maybe some big names but that's it.
Remarkable Martinez has been in charge of Belgium for six-and-a-half years. Choice of Henry as a coach also dubious when he couldn’t crack punditry. Belgium underwhelmed at Euros last year and have been misguidedly reliant on too many old heads.
Toby Alderweireld: 33Jan Vertonghen: