‘The end of the golden era’: Social media SLAMS Belgium as they crash out at the group stage with fans blasting Roberto Martinez for ‘wasting’ their greatest generation of players
Belgium’s disappointing World Cup campaign ended after just three games following a limp goalless draw against Croatia in what was a must-win tie for the Red Devils.
And football fans on Twitter have been quick to share their scathing criticism of Roberto Martinez and his side after finishing third in a group that appeared favourable on paper prior to the tournament.
This latest tournament disappointment has left many fans heralding the end of Belgium’s so-called ‘golden generation ‘ of players, and some viewers have pointed the finger directly at Martinez.
Romelu Lukaku missed two sitters that would have sent his side through to the next round
Roberto Martinez has been blasted for wasting Belium’s so-called golden generation
Martinez’s side fail to qualify from the group stage for the first time since 1998, although they did not qualify in 2006, and their failure to progress will surely only spark an increase in speculation that the current side are past their best.
As a result the Spaniard has been blasted on Twitter as football fans have made it clear what they think of his leadership of the side that many had though would end Belgium’s long trophy drought.
One could not comprehend that he had even been entrusted with control of the side, adding: ‘It’s sad, Belgium FA trusted their golden generation with a mid coach . It’s unthinkable.’
However a second claimed that they foresaw the continued failure of one of the world’s top ranked sides, admitting: ‘I said 5 years ago Belgium would win nothing with Martinez in charge. He has wasted their golden generation.’
A third fan wrote: ‘Lol the only thing that Belgian “Golden Generation” has won is FIFA rankings.’
Lukaku was unable to put his side into the round of 16 missing numerous golden chances
Another added: ‘bye bye golden generation.’
And a fifth called the World Cup elimination: ‘the end of golden era.’
With Morocco beating Canada 2-1 in the other game, Belgium needed a win against Croatia to go through the group stage at their expense.
But not even their all-time record goalscorer Lukaku could provide the golden touch they needed, as he twice squandered gilt-edged opportunities to send his side to the next round.
The Inter Milan striker hit the post with the goal at his mercy first up, before heading over from a seemingly open goal moments later, although his blushes were spared after replays showed that the ball had gone out of lay in the build-up.
Then in the dying seconds of the game, he was unable to control a cross from Thorgan Hazard which had evaded Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, with the ball crashing off his chest into Dominik Livakovic’s grateful arms.
The Red Devils failed to progress from the group stages for the first time since France 1998
As a result Belgium finished third in the group on four points, just a point behind Croatia who finish unbeaten in the group on five, and ahead of Canada who failed to win a single point.
For some fans it was the striker’s fault that his side failed to progress from the group, writing: ‘Breaking news : Romelu Lukaku eliminates Belgium from the world cup.’
Another echoed the sentiment, stating: ‘Lukaku you had it. Not once, but THREE times.’