Lukaku scores twice as Belgium beat Croatia in World Cup warm-up

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium defeated Croatia 0-2 in their first World Cup warm-up match. The match saw Belgium field an experimental 3-5-2 formation. Croatia dominated possession but lacked clear chances.

Lukaku, introduced in the 66th minute, broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a low drive past Dominik Livaković. He doubled the lead in the 85th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error.

Thorgan Hazard provided the assist for Lukaku’s opener. Axel Witsel and Youri Tielemans controlled midfield as Belgium absorbed Croatia’s pressure. Jan Vertonghen marshaled the back three.

Belgium’s defensive shape frustrated Croatia’s attack. Andrej Kramarić and Mario Pašalić struggled to create clear opportunities against the Belgian rearguard. Croatia’s best chance fell to Bruno Petković, whose header was saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois made a crucial save early in the second half to preserve Belgium’s clean sheet. Dries Mertens and Kevin De Bruyne were unused substitutes. Roberto Martínez made multiple tactical changes throughout the match.

Belgium’s next World Cup warm-up match is against Austria on June 13. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić admitted his team’s lack of cutting edge.