Borussia Dortmund internationals: World Cup heartache for Belgium

There was heartache at the World Cup for Borussia Dortmund duo Thomas Meunier and Thorgan Hazard as Belgium failed to make it out of the group stage.

Belgium were knocked out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday evening after being held to a goalless draw by Croatia. Needing a win to qualify for the round of 16, the Red Devils failed to score past the 2018 World Cup runners-up and could only manage a third place finish in Group F.

Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier started for Belgium as they faced a must-win game against Croatia after falling to a shock defeat to Morocco on matchday two. While Thorgan Hazard came off the bench at the hour mark.

Roberto Martinez’s side dominated the game and created a host of big chances. But Romelu Lukaku had an off night in front of goal and his misses proved to be very costly, as Belgium crashed out of the World Cup.

Meunier and Hazard both set up great opportunities for Lukaku that the Inter Milan striker should have turned into the back of the net. Meunier created a chance for Lukaku in the 87th minute, but he was unable to sort his feet out in time. The striker then missed a golden chance to score from point-blank range in the 90th minute after being brilliantly set up by Hazard.

Belgium eventually ran out of time as what was arguably the last opportunity for their so-called ‘golden generation’ to win a major trophy went up in flames. Morocco beat Canada in the other game to progress as Group F winners, with Croatia joining them in the round of 16.