Manchester City talisman Kevin de Bruyne will be well rested when his side host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup before Christmas after his Belgium side were eliminated from the World Cup.
The Red Devils failed to beat Croatia in their final group game, with former Everton and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku wasting a number of gilt-edged chances as the match ended 0-0 - they lost out to Croatia and surprise table-toppers Morocco. Roberto Martinez confirmed after the result that his contract with Belgium - which ran out when his side were eliminated - would not be renewed, essentially resigning from the role.
Their group stage campaign was surrounded by discontent from the off, with de Bruyne admitting in a shock interview with the Guardian prior to the tournament that his country had 'no chance' of winning the World Cup because they were 'too old' - the average age of last night's starting lineup was 31 years and 95 days. Compatriot Jan Vertonghen sarcastically used the same phrase to detail why the attack - including de Bruyne - were so impotent.
