FIFA World Cup: Morocco and Croatia enter pre-quarters, Belgium knocked out

DOHA: Belgium, who are second in the FIFA rankings, were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw against Croatia in a crucial Group F match. Meanwhile, African country Morocco clinched a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup by beating Canada 2-1 on Thursday. Croatia, the runners-up in the last World Cup, made it to the last 16 as second in the group behind Morocco.

It is the first time since the 1986 World Cup that Morocco has reached the pre-quarters. Belgium's goalless draw against Croatia ensured the last hurrah of the Belgian 'golden generation' ended in a dismal group-stage exit.