Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage after drawing 0-0 with Croatia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Thursday whereas their Head coach also resigned after the match.
Morocco's 2-1 victory over Canada elsewhere in Group F meant Belgium had to win to advance to the last 16, while Croatia needed to avoid defeat.
A low-quality first half, in which the only talking point was an overturned Croatia penalty, made way for a far more gripping second period.
Romelu Lukaku was brought on at half-time and wasted a few big chances, hitting the post from one of them but the match finished goalless as Belgium suffered a shock exit.
Belgium were given an early reprieve when a penalty awarded for Yannick Carrasco's challenge on Andrej Kramaric was overturned for offside against Dejan Lovren in the build-up as Luka Modric was lining up to take it.
The arrival of Lukaku coincided with the game finally coming to life, the Inter striker forcing Dominik Livakovic into the first save of the contest a little over three minutes after coming on.
That in turn sparked Croatia into life and Thibaut Courtois — on his 100th cap — made three saves in the space of four minutes to deny midfield trio Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Luka Modric.
Lukaku then hit the post with plenty of the net to aim for after Carrasco's blocked shot fell nicely in his path, before heading over from close range with the goal again gaping — though VAR may have intervened even if he had scored.
The biggest miss was still to come as Lukaku failed to help the ball over the line from a couple of yards when Thorgan Hazard's cross was missed by Lovren, meaning elimination for Belgium and a second-place finish behind Morocco for Croatia.
Whereas in the other group Morocco beat Canada 2-1 to become the third African team after Algeria 1990 and Nigeria 1994,1998 to top their groups In the world cup
Morocco will face Spain, runners up of Group E, while Croatia take on Japan the winners.
Croatia will face the winners of Group E on Monday, while Belgium now have a near-four-month wait before facing Sweden in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
Martinez Exit
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| Belgium coach Roberto Martinez resigns after Group stage Exit |
Meanwhile Roberto Martinez confirmed he has taken charge of Belgium for the final time following their World Cup exit, but he does not believe this is the end for the country's 'golden generation.
"That was my last game for the national team and it was emotional. I can't carry on, sorry," a visibly moved Martinez said at his post-match press conference.
"This was the end, whether we won or went out in the group. It has nothing to do with being eliminated at this stage.
"I'm someone who likes to build things. For six years, I've been here with the objective to reach the World Cup and win it. We won the bronze medal in 2018 and gave it another go. It's been a real joy.
"We've built a legacy. I know people will see it a different way, but I'm so proud. Looking at the dressing room now, we have youngsters who can now be starters.
"It's been six amazing years that we've been able to do everything you want to do with a club at a national team.
"I've loved the way this team has played and given everyone incredible joy. The fans in Belgium have appreciated this. It's now time for me to accept this is the last game.
"I've always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I'm not resigning, it's the end of my contract. This was always the plan."
He stepped down in the post match conference where he bade goodbye to being their Coach.
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