Roberto Martinez steps down as Belgium coach following their humiliating World Cup campaign, crashing out as early as the group stage after finishing third in Group F standings. FIFA’s second-ranked side ended their berth in the tournament with a goalless draw against Croatia, who finished behind group winners Morocco. Get football league championship updates here!
“That was my last game. It was emotional as you can imagine,” Martinez said. “The decision was taken just before the World Cup. I always work towards the long-term projects and they need to be set in advance. Since 2018 I had many opportunities to leave to take jobs at club level. I always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I don’t resign – it is the end of my contract. That was always the plan.”
The 49-year-old Martinez was appointed in 2016, succeeding Marc Wilmots, who led Belgium to the top of the world rankings for the first time from November 2015 to April 2016. Martinez guided Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to their best World Cup place, finishing third four years ago. They also topped the world rankings from September 2018 to March 2022 under Martinez. Watch soccer and win here!
During the qualifiers, Belgium finished on top of their group unbeaten, having won six matches and scoring 25 goals to book their place in the tournament. Heading into the tournament, the Red Devils were defeated in a friendly against Egypt 2-1. In the opening game, Belgium fought hard for a 1-0 win against Canada before a shock defeat to Morocco 0-2 and a goalless stalemate against Croatia.
Needing a win to advance, Belgium made a lot of possessions early in the game. Croatia almost broke the deadlock with Luka Modrić only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Belgium’s record scorer Romelu Lukaku also made a lot of chances on the hour mark. However, none of these attempts were converted. Lukaku was given the final chance to rescue Belgium in the added time, but still missed the opportunity.
In the end, Belgium had to settle for a goalless draw, with Croatia ensuring a place in the knockouts, as Morocco won against Canada 1-2 to finish as group winners. This will be the first time that Belgium were eliminated in the group stage since 1998. “It has given us incredible joy. It is the time for me to accept that this is the last game,” Martinez added.
Elsewhere, Japan beat Spain 2-1 to advance in the last-16 and end four-time world champions Germany’s World Cup berth despite winning against Costa Rica 2-4. Japan emerged as group winners after winning twice and drawing the other group game. Spain and Germany level in points, but La Roja advanced on goal difference and finished second in Group E standings.
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