Belgium defeated Croatia 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Rijeka on Tuesday, with Romelu Lukaku making a scoring return to international football after 12 months away and extending his Belgium record to 90 goals. The match gave both sides a chance to test squad depth ahead of the World Cup, with many expected tournament players involved and numerous substitutions used.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 38th minute after Croatia failed to clear a dangerous move created by Jeremy Doku’s surging run down the wing. The ball fell kindly to Tielemans, who finished from close range to put Belgium in control before halftime. Croatia had their chances to respond, with Luka Modric testing Thibaut Courtois before the break, but the Belgium goalkeeper produced a sharp save to keep the lead intact.
The second half saw both teams continue to rotate their squads as they prepared for the tournament. Belgium introduced Lukaku for the final 18 minutes, giving the striker a brief but memorable comeback appearance. Lukaku made the most of it by breaking away late and smashing home a powerful strike to seal the win and end the match with Belgium’s second goal. The finish was a welcome boost for the 33-year-old, who has endured a difficult club season at Napoli, where injuries and limited opportunities disrupted his campaign.
Belgium also came close to adding a third goal when Hans Vanaken, one of several substitutes used by coach Roberto Martinez, headed Tielemans’ 74th-minute corner against the crossbar. Croatia were likewise unlucky, with Ante Budimir hitting the woodwork in the second half as the hosts pushed for a goal. The game remained competitive throughout, but Belgium’s greater efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
The result will encourage Belgium as they build toward their World Cup opener against Egypt in Seattle on June 15. Croatia, meanwhile, will look to sharpen their preparation when they face Slovenia in another friendly in Varazdin on Sunday before taking on England in their Group L opener in Dallas on June 17. Both teams used the match to assess form, fitness, and tactical options, with Belgium leaving more satisfied thanks to a clean sheet and a landmark goal from their all-time leading scorer.
