World Cup: Drogba defends Lukaku as Belgium crash out of tournament

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has come under massive criticism after he lost some chances that cost Belgium a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.

However, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has come to his defence as he felt sympathy for him.

Lukaku failed to score during Belgium’s 0-0 against Croatia on Thursday as the outcome saw the Belgian kicked out of the tournament in Qatar.

A highlight at the end of the game showed the moment Lukaku left the pitch in tears and was consoled by assistant coach Thierry Henry before breaking a glass panel in the dugout with his fist as he lashed out in frustration.

“We all did (felt sorry for Romelu Lukaku), but we can’t put the blame on someone who has been injured the last two months, he comes on for 30 minutes and you want him to win the game,” Drogba told the BBC.

“As a striker, he should’ve been a bit more on his toes, but it is very difficult to blame him for this.”

Drogba added: “I think it is difficult. The defender is in front of you and the goalkeeper, this is his right foot, the way his body is pointing towards goal it is difficult to turn, twist and score. It is difficult.”

“I think he is frustrated not only because he missed the goals but the spirit of this team during the tournament.

“The talks, the fights between players, this is what he is frustrated about more than the goals he missed, I think.”