World Cup: Romelu Lukaku shows his frustration after missing three sitters in Belgium draw

An emotional Romelu Lukaku took out his frustration by punching the dug-out after missing three sitters as Belgium crashed out of the World Cup.

Belgium needed to beat Croatia to reach the last-16 at the World Cup, but they were held to a goalless draw – though Lukaku had some golden opportunities to send Roberto Martinez’s side through to the knock-out stage.

After the final whistle, Lukaku punched the dug-out and had to be consoled by Belgium’s coaching staff including Thierry Henry.

The Inter Milan striker, on loan from Chelsea, was then in tears as he went down the tunnel.

Lukaku entered the fray at half-time as Belgium teetered on the brink of a group stage elimination and within minutes, he 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.

Two minutes later, a Kevin De Bruyne cross was floated onto the head of the Inter striker but he failed to hit the target and watched as his effort floated over the bar.

In the final moments of the match, Lukaku had a chance to atone for his mistakes when the ball fell to him inside the six-yard box but again he failed to convert.