Belgium coach Martinez quits after World Cup exit

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has announced on Thursday he is stepping down from his role after the team’s poor performance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Roberto Martinez has announced that he will stop as national coach of the Belgian Red Devils. pic.twitter.com/l7EBqiOAeD

— Royal Belgian FA (@RoyalBelgianFA) December 1, 2022

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The Belgians arrived in Qatar second in the FIFA rankings but a shock defeat to Morocco and a goalless draw against Croatia saw them eliminated in the group stages for the first time since 1998, having scored just one goal.

“My situation is very clear. This is the end for me,” Martinez said at the post-game press conference. “Whatever the result of this tournament, I took the decision before the World Cup. It’s all about long term. Since 2018, I could have taken many jobs. I don’t resign; it’s just ending like this.”

Martinez, who has been in charge since 2016, previously led Belgium to their best ever World Cup, a third-placed finish at Russia in 2018.

They ended the tournament as top scorers with what has been considered a ‘golden generation’ for the country including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard in their prime.