World Cup carnage leaves football fans in disbelief: 'Woeful'
The Qatar World Cup continues to throw up upsets in the group stage with Japan receiving a reality check, before World No.2 Belgium lost to Morocco to leave their hopes of advancing hanging by a thread. Belgium headed into the game against Morocco under pressure after a lacklustre display, despite a win against Canada in their opening Group F clash.
'TAKE A BOW': Fans erupt over Graham Arnold act at World Cup
'THIS IS AWFUL': Socceroos shredded over 'horrible' look at World Cup
However, they will now face a pivotal clash against group leaders Croatia in their final group stage match after they lost to Morocco 2-0. Midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne claimed Belgium were 'too old' to win the World Cup after their poor display against Canada.
And his words may have been proven true after Morocco's energy and counter attack proved too much for Belgium. After the game, defender Jan Vertonghen appeared to take a dig at his own teammate when he claimed: "I guess we attack badly because we're also too old up front."
Belgium appear to be struggling on and off the field for cohesion, but the football world was quick to react to the World No.2's huge fail.
Belgium's golden generation is now the Charcoal generation.
Overrated by FIFAβ POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 27, 2022
Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina
Japan 2-1 Germany
Morocco 2-0 Belgium
Iran's beautiful 2-0 win over Wales too! This World Cup just keeps on giving β₯οΈ pic.twitter.com/fjCRy6YaHOβ Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 27, 2022
Morocco's victory over Belgium being represented as a shock. I understand that, historically, but it was only a shock to people who didn't see Belgium play Canada last week.
β Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) November 27, 2022
Belgium's lack of on-pitch charisma and courage (which has visibly frustrated Kevin De Bruyne) exposed in an emotional, excellent showing from Morocco. Canada flagged just how bland π§πͺ are, and were unfortunate not to have seen it reflected on the scoreboard.
β Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) November 27, 2022
Poor Eden Hazard. Maybe Belgium would have played better if they had concentrated on taking a stand against being silenced by FIFA.
β Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) November 27, 2022
What an assist for Hakim Ziyech to confirm Morocco's victory against Belgium. Another player shining at the World Cup while they sit on the bench at Chelsea. Showing their worth.
β CfcSheikh (@CfcSheikh) November 27, 2022
I just want to know how did Belgium made it ranked 2nd in the world. Theyβre not even top 10 in the World Cup.
β Samuel (@SamueILFC) November 27, 2022
Belgium look woeful. Again.
Talk about a wasted generation. #FIFAWorldCupβ Ben Ramsdale (@benaramsdale) November 27, 2022
Vertonghen was very critical after the match with Belgium needing to pick themselves up for the match against an experienced Croatian outfit. "We didn't create much. I think we were good overall, we didn't give much away, just an identical goal twice," he said.
"Twice a resumption of play at the first post. That ball should never go in. The first time we are lucky, but the second time not any more. There are a lot of things going through my head that I better not say, or at least not outside [the dressing] rooms.
"It's very frustrating. The first game was not good, and we got away with it well. Not today. I don't think we created any chances."
Belgium, ranked second in the world behind Brazil, had won their last seven group games at the World Cup. They would have become the second team after defending champions France to qualify for the knockout stage if they had beaten Morocco. However they will now will play 2018 finalist Croatia in what will be a crucial final group game.
However, this wasn't the only drama to come out of Belgium. After the game, several riots broke out in Belgian and Dutch cities.
Police detained about a dozen people after they deployed water cannons and fire tear gas to disperse crowds in Brussels. Dozens of rioters overturned and torched cars, set electric scooters on fire and pelted cars with bricks. Brussels police spokesperson Ilse Van de Keere said police moved in after one person suffered facial injuries.
Japan lose to leave Group E wide open
In another upset, Japan came crashing back down to earth after losing 1-0 to Costa Rica to leave Group E wide open.
Japan could have placed one foot into the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup with a win over Costa Rica.
The South American outfit was reeling from a 7-0 loss to Spain in the opening group game.
However, Japan couldn't find the attacking edge to split open Costa Rica's defence.
They were then punished from some lacklustre defending as Costa Rica prevailed to hand them an unbelievable win.
A lifeline result for the four-time winners Germany π
They will go through if Japan lose to Spain, and they beat Costa Rica.
Spain need a point against Japan to reach the last 16.#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tZAzHVncXrβ Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 27, 2022
Pura vida. Costa Rica beats Japan and the World Cup pendulum of perception swings again! #CRC
β Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 27, 2022
With Spain and Germany producing a 1-1 draw on Monday morning, it means any team can qualify for Group E going into the last match.
Japan will now face Spain, while Germany face Costa Rica.
with agencies
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.