Romelu Lukaku burst into tears after Belgium’s World Cup elimination in the group stage.
A goalless draw against Croatia confirmed an early exit for Roberto Martinez’s side, with Morocco qualifying for Group F as group winners with Croatia finishing second.
Lukaku was introduced as a second-half substitute as the Red Devils chased down a winning goal that would see them reach the last 16.
The Chelsea striker, on loan at Inter Milan this season, missed three big chances to put his side ahead and when the full-time whistle blew he was consoled by Belgian assistant Thierry Henry as he left the pitch in tears.
Lukaku did not start a single game for his country at the World Cup after suffering a league injury, playing just 22 minutes of league football since August.
Former England and Newcastle United star Alan Shearer defended Lukaku, citing his lack of fitness.
‘It’s not him [Belgium’s elimination]Shearer told the BBC.
“They will look at themselves and blame themselves because Belgium is miles from where they were four years ago to where they are now.
“They didn’t do enough and didn’t deserve to continue.
“They tried, they created a few chances in the second half, but it was too little and too late.”
He added, “It will hurt him. But it was far from finished, otherwise they would have brought it in earlier or even started it.
“They only intended to turn it on when they were on when they were in a desperate situation. At least then they would have a central point and that more or less helped them.’
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