Romelu Lukaku breaks down in tears and consoled by Thierry Henry

Romelu Lukaku broke down in tears following Belgium’s World Cup elimination at the group stage.

A goalless draw against Croatia confirmed an early exit for Roberto Martinez’s side with Morocco qualifying from Group F as group winners with Croatia runners up.

Lukaku was introduced as a second-half substitute as the Red Devils chased a winning goal that would have seen them reach the last 16.

The Chelsea striker, on loan at Inter Milan this season, missed three big chances to give his side the lead and as the full-time whistle went, was consoled by Belgium assistant Thierry Henry as he left the pitch in tears.

Lukaku did not start a single match for his country at the World Cup having carried an injury into the competition, having played just 22 minutes of league football since August.

Former England and Newcastle United star Alan Shearer defended Lukaku, pointing to his lack of fitness.

‘It’s not down to him [Belgium’s elimination], Shearer told BBC.

‘They will look at themselves and blame themselves because Belgium have been miles off from where they were four years ago to where they are now.

‘They didn’t do enough and they didn’t deserve to go through.

‘They tried, they created a few chances in the second-half but it was too little too late.’

He added: ‘It will hurt him. But he was nowhere near ready otherwise they would have brought him on earlier or even started him.

‘They were only going to put him on if they were on if they were in a desperate situation. At least then they had a focal point and it sort of helped them.’

More to follow

Source: Read Full Article