MANCHESTER UNITED STAR Marouane Fellaini hailed Belgium’s “warriors” this evening after his country reached the World Cup finals.
On-loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku scored two first-half goals as Belgium beat Croatia 2-1 in Zagreb to reach the global showpiece for the first time since 2002.
“Belgium can be very proud of this team. We are going to Brazil and will try and have a great tournament,” Fellaini told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
Belgium, who reached six World Cups in a row between 1982 and 2002, topped Group A and became the third European team after Italy and Netherlands to make sure of their place in Brazil.
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“We knew it would be a difficult match tonight but we have done what we had to do,” added Fellaini.
“In this new generation of players, there is technique, maturity, physicality and they are also warriors. They are all great players who have given Belgium the opportunity to achieve a great performance next June.”
Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was delighted to have won in Zagreb.
“It’s a huge pleasure to play with this team,” said Hazard. “We proved again tonight that we are a strong side and to win in Croatia is a real achievement.”
Lukaku opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Steven Defour dispossessed Ivan Perisic. Defour found Lukaku who then rounded goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa to score. Lukaku made it 2-0 after 38 minutes despite Letikosa saving his first attempt.
Croatia substitute Niko Kranjcar beat Belgian ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois with six minutes left but the home side couldn’t find another goal and must now hope to make the finals via the play-offs.
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They’ll be the dark horses in Brazil
Not that Dark…..most exciting squad in Europe at the minute
25/1….an each way bet for sure!!!
Massive beneficiaries of immigration – Kompany, Fellaini, Lukaku, Dembele, Benteke, Chadli, Mirallas … We can take hope from that!
A conveyor belt of talent
FAI take note.