World Cup 2022: Roberto Martinez Steps Down As Belgium Coach After Group Stage Exit

Roberto Martinez has confirmed stepping down as the head coach of Belgium following their 2022 World Cup group stage exit on Thursday.

The Red Devils were kicked out of the Mundial following a goalless draw against Croatia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium when they needed a win.

The Spaniard announced his resignation after the game in his post-match interview.

“This was my last game as national coach. I said goodbye to the players and staff,” Martinez said.

Did Roberto Martinez just moonwalk out of the job pic.twitter.com/oTasPCki7n

— BURNS (@TheSteveBurnio) December 1, 2022

The 2018 World Cup third-placed side started their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada before losing to Morocco and needed a win against the Russia 2018 finalists to progress, but spurned their chances.

“Today we were ourselves again. It is never easy to win a match at a World Cup. In that first match against Canada, we won, but we weren’t ourselves. We deservedly lost the second match against Morocco. We weren’t ready,” the 49-year-old added.

Belgium had 15 attempts at goal but still couldn’t find an opening against the Croats. Lukaku notably missed three big chances.

Martinez said they are leaving the global showpiece proud of what they have done when many tipped them as one of the favourites to lift the title.

“Today we created a lot of chances, so no, I have no regrets. We can leave the World Cup with our heads held high.”

Roberto Martinez leaves Belgium — the game vs Croatia was his last one as head coach of the national team. 🚨🇧🇪 #Qatar2022 #Belgium

His decision was already made before the tournament and it’s now confirmed. pic.twitter.com/J79MAbJIRT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2022

Martinez took charge of Belgium in 2016, managing 80 games and winning 70% of them in his six-year spell, lifting no title with a group of players described as the country’s golden generation.