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Rabat – Roberto Martinez has stepped down as a coach after Belgium failed to secure a win against Croatia to qualify to the round of 16.
Belgium was stunned after its goalless match against Croatia. The draw in today’s match was not as overwhelming for the Red Devils as their loss to Morocco 2-0 on November 27.
The 49-year-old Spanish coach told reporters that today was his last game.
“It has been six years. I arrived with the clear idea of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Then we became so engaged with the project and won a bronze medal. I’m so proud of these players. It has been amazing,” the coach said.
The coach said he had several opportunities to leave and take another job since 2018.
“But I wanted to stay loyal… I don’t resign, it’s the end of my contract,” he added.
Belgium’s football federation issued a statement thanking Martinez for his services but acknowledged that it is a disappointing moment to see Belgium leaving the tournament in the early stages.
“We are very grateful and proud that we have worked with Roberto Martinez for more than six years,” the federation said.
Croatia and Morocco both moved to the round of 16. Morocco has become the second African and first Arab country to qualify to the next round. Senegal was the first African country to qualify for round 16 after its recent victory.
