(VIDEO) Watch: Romelu Lukaku’s HAT-TRICK of missed chances against Croatia

(VIDEO) Watch: Romelu Lukaku’s HAT-TRICK of missed chances against Croatia as Belgium are eliminated from World Cup

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku missed three gilt-edged chances against Croatia to seal the Red Devils’ early World Cup exit.

The Inter Milan forward entered the game at halftime as Belgium drew closer to being eliminated from the group stage and knew they needed to defeat Luka Modric and company to have any chance of moving on to the round of 16.

Within minutes, the No 9 had two prime opportunities to break the deadlock but spurned both.

In the 59th minute, Roberto Martinez’s side broke into the Croatia penalty area in search of an opener. The ball fell to Lukaku – just a few yards from goal – but the 29-year-old could only find the post with his right-footed effort.

A Kevin De Bruyne cross was floated onto the head of the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker two minutes later, but he was unable to connect with the ball and watched as it sailed over the crossbar.

When the ball dropped to him within the six-yard box in the dying seconds of the game, Lukaku had another opportunity to make up for his errors, but this time he was unable to capitalise.

For the Red Devils, who were knocked from the World Cup, these turned out to be costly errors.

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