The Eastern European nation has reached at least the semi-finals on both occasions it has reached the knockout stages.
Updated – Thu, 12/12/22 at 10:31pm
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Allen: Croatia advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Belgium on Thursday, whose group-stage exit is likely to usher in the unraveling of its talented but underachieving generation.
The Eastern European nation has reached at least the semi-finals on both occasions it has reached the knockout stages.
Belgium failed to live up to its status as second-placed and one of the tournament favourites, after being knocked out with one goal in three games.
Needing a win to secure promotion, Belgium produced their best performance of the tournament and squandered two clear chances that fell to Romelu Lukaku. At half-time the substitute hit the upright with a shot but was unable to control the ball as it bounced off his chest.
Long dubbed Belgium’s “golden generation” – six players who have now made more than 100 appearances – will part ways in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
