Belgium were booed off the pitch by some fans when they could only manage a draw against Ukraine in their final group game, but in the hours before this match there was hope from their supporters that they would lift their game against the French.

However, once again they were far too cautious for long periods and their threatening moments were all too brief.

But they should have made France pay for their profligacy with De Bruyne’s effort in the closing stages, while Romelu Lukaku, who exits Euro 2024 without scoring a goal, also seeing a low shot pushed away in the second half.

Like Croatia, this has felt like one final throw of the dice for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, with the likes of De Bruyne and Lukaku now into their 30s.

And, like Croatia, they exit the tournament wondering if this was ultimately a missed opportunity for what could have been with this group of players.