December 01, (THEWILL) – Following Belgium’s World Cup loss and elimination, manager, Roberto Martinez, has decided to step down from his position.
Substitute, Romelu Lukaku, missed three clear-cut opportunities for Belgium in the second half, as they battled Croatia to a goalless stalemate, which prevented them from moving on to the knockout stages of the competition.
Martinez said in the post-game press conference that he will not be extending his contract, which expires after the competition. “Yes, that was my last game”, Martinez replied reporters when questioned about his future.
The 49-year-old, who spent six years leading Belgium to the previous World Cup semi-finals, is rumoured to want to return to club management. Since 2016, he has served as Belgium’s manager and most notably took his team to third place at the 2018 World Cup. However, failure to lead Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to significant silverware will remain his disappointment.
After the game, the former manager of Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton said: “It has been six years. I arrived with the clear idea of qualifying for the (2018) World Cup. Then we became so engaged with the project and won the bronze medal. I’m so proud of these players.
“It has been amazing. Six years where we’ve been able to do everything you want to do … (and) the team has played has given people real joy. But this is the time for me to accept (it is over).”
