Belgium wins tough test in Rijeka 2-0 against Croatia

After the break, the match initially lost some intensity before the home team pushed for an equalizer. Both teams hit the crossbar with headers in the second half, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the game for long stretches. Lukaku scored the final goal, netting the second for Belgium in stoppage time after coming on as a substitute.

Players in Focus

For Croatia, 40-year-old Luka Modrić, who played in central midfield, was in the spotlight. However, the veteran was unable to provide much impetus to the game and remained largely ineffective for long periods. On the opposing side, 34-year-old Kevin De Bruyne acted as a playmaker behind the striker and initiated several dangerous attacks.

Outlook for the World Cup

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić used the match as one of his last two assessments before the World Cup begins. On June 7, his team will face Slovenia in another test match before their opening game against England in Dallas on June 17. England's team is now managed by Thomas Tuchel.

For Belgium, coached by Frenchman Rudi Garcia, the match was their penultimate tough test. On June 6, the Belgians will host Tunisia at home before starting their World Cup campaign against Egypt on June 15, two days before Croatia's opener. Tunisia had lost a test match against Austria 0-1 in Vienna on Monday.

The 2026 Football World Cup will be held with 48 teams for the first time. In addition to Belgium, Croatia, England, and Egypt, Morocco and Ghana have also qualified for the tournament. Morocco defeated Madagascar 4-0 in another test match on Tuesday evening, while Ghana was held to a 1-1 draw by Wales, conceding the equalizer in stoppage time.