This is the World Cup that keeps on giving, keeps on enthralling, keeps on producing story lines that will still be told years from now.
Belgium looked like being the latest big name, tipped to make waves in Russia, brought back down to size with an almighty jolt by a relative minnow.
Trailing 2-0, after two Japan goals inside four minutes early in a second half that the first had left us hopelessly unprepared for, a golden generation suddenly stood on the brink of another ignominious failure, braced for more headlines about bottlers and manager Roberto Martinez gearing up to collect his P45.
And then two Belgium substitutes were introduced to dazzling effect and a game that had threatened to spark a brutal inquest back in Belgium instead became a story about a jaw-dropping comeback, deep wells of character and a couple of inspired changes from Martinez.
A quarter-final against Brazil in Kazan on Friday could now prove a humdinger, although it had appeared a distant dream before Jan Vertonghen atoned for an error for Japan’s opening goal to kickstart this remarkable fightback, culminating in a goal for Nacer Chadli with seconds left on the clock that was worthy of winning any match, and a fitting denouement to a quite extraordinary encounter.
Belgium scored a last-gasp winner to beat Japan on Monday and set up a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil. The match looked set for extra-time after goals from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini cancelled out efforts from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui. But as the seconds ticked down, Belgium poured forward and Nacer Chadli grabbed a dramatic winner. Belgium, who made 10 changes for the match, were by far the better side but Japan defended doggedly and threatened on the break as they seek to reach a World Cup quarter-final for the first time. The winner of the knockout match in Rostov will face Brazil, who earlier beat Mexico 2-0, in a quarter-final in Kazan on Friday. As expected, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez made wholesale changes from the side that beat England 1-0 in the group stages. He reverted mainly to the same starting line-up that thrashed Tunisia 5-2, with Manchester City defender Kompany as the only new addition, in for Dedryck Boyata at centre-back. Striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored four goals so far in Russia, returned to lead Belgium's star-studded attack. Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens and Kevin De Bruyne were restored in a powerful midfield after being rested against England. Japan coach Akira Nishino also revamped his starting line-up after the 1-0 defeat to Poland in the group stages. (Highlights: Belgium vs Japan)
Highlights Between Belgium vs Japan, 2018 FIFA World Cup, straight from Rostov Arena Rostov-On-Don
01:24 IST: FT: Belgium 3-2 Japan. Thank you for joining us on all the action, until next time, it's goodbye!
01:22 IST: GOAL! High quality counter-attack from Belgium, Lukaku plays a dummy as Chadli in space behind unmarked, makes no mistake to tuck it away for a goal.
01:20 IST: Free-kick for Japan in the 93rd minute, came off a Kompany foul. Honda strucks a brilliant one but Courtois keeps it out. Japan have a corner but Courtois catches it and initiates a counter-attack.
01:18 IST: 4 minutes added! Japan have a corner. But the ball has been tucked away by the Belgian defence.
01:13 IST: DOUBLE SAVE! 35-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima keeps first Chadli and then Lukaku out -- both from a close range header. 86 minutes played!
01:11 IST: Honda makes a lovely run inside the box, from a through ball but the ball hits the side-netting.
01:10 IST: Japan have brought in Keisuke Honda to replace Haraguchi in the 81st minute.
01:06 IST: Belgium have the tempo, momentum of the match. We have seen 4 shots on target in the second-half, all on corner. Meanwhile, it's a corner for Belgium -- Kompany's header has been tucked away. Goal kick for Japan!
01:01 IST: GOAL! Fellaini puts Belgium level, through a brilliant cross delivered by Eden Hazard. After 74 minutes Belgium 2-2 Japan.
00:59 IST: Inui from the left flank finds Nagatomo ahead of him, who delivers a cross but Osako's shot has been denied. This is beginning to become a thriller of a contest.
00:57 IST: GOAL! An astonishing header from Jan Vertonghen pulls one back for Belgium, Japan failed to clear their lines, paid the price. Belgium 1-2 Japan.
00:55 IST: Sloppy from Japan in the midfield, Witsel finds Fellaini on the right flank the cross comes in for Lukaku but well blocked by the Yoshida to keep his shot out. 68 minutes have been played.
00:52 IST: Double Substitution for Belgium, Fellaini steps in place of Mertens while Chadli replaces Carrasco in the 65th minute.
00:50 IST: Romelu Lukaku misses a chance from close range, his header goes wide off target from a cross well delivered by Vertonghen on the 61st minute.
00:40 IST: GOAAAL! Takashi Inui scores a blinder from outside the box. Belgium in trouble. After 52 minutes, Belgium 0-2 Japan. Japan have now scored more goals in the ongoing World Cup then they have ever done in any other World Cup.
00:38 IST: Eden Hazard hits the POST, on the counter.
00:35 IST: GOAL! Genki Haraguchi puts Japan in the lead, 48th minute. Gets past Jan Vertonghen through an excellent through ball to break the deadlock. Belgium 0-1 Japan.
00:33 IST: Japan gets the second-half underway. Neither side have made any changes in the half-time.
00:15 IST: One minute added for the half-time. It remains Belgium 0-0 Japan at half-time as the referee blows the whistle.
00:14 IST: Courtois spills it, after Nagamoto plays a ball throw the left wing to find Osako who gets a touch as the goalkeeper grabs the ball on the second attempt.
00:09 IST: Eden Hazard brought down by Shibasaki as he collects the first yellow card of the evening. 40 minutes through, still goalless.
00:06 IST: Hazard shoots from inside the box, BLOCKED! Yoshida does well to keep the Chelsea star out. 36 minutes on the clock.
00:05 IST: Belgium stretched for a few seconds, Japan initiate an attack from the right flank, make a cross but lose the ball, quite easily.
00:01 IST: Shinji Kagawa does well inside the box, to get past the Belgian defenders, crosses the ball but the header straight into the hand of Thibaut Courtois
23:58 IST: Japan trying to play long balls, only to lose away the ball with ease to Belgium. 30 minutes on the clock.
23:55 IST: Chance for Belgium in the 25th minute, off a fine cross which locates Lukaku in space but Yoshida does well to keep him out. Constant threat from Belgium!
23:53 IST: Belgium have set the tempo, Japan forced to play on the defence. Lukaku from the right flank switches play Carrasco tries to play the ball to Hazard but the link-up play fails, the ball was a bit to heavy.
23:50 IST: Romelu Lukaku in space, takes a shot, unmarked but the defender does well to keep him out. CORNER for Belgium! Kevin de Bruyne takes it but the ball is safely cleared away by the Japan defence.
23:45 IST: Axel Witsel takes a shot from outside the box, deflected for CORNER! De Bruyne takes a short one, the ball on the return finds Vincent Kompany who heads it only to see the ball cleared away by Japanese defence.
23:44 IST: Eden Hazard makes a long run, opens up space passes the ball to Carrasco who rolls it inside the box but Haraguchi does well to keep the threat away.
23:40 IST: Kevin de Bruyne plays a cheeky chip to target Dries Mertens inside the box, but the ball falls to heavily for him. 11 minutes played.
23:35 IST: Japan combining well through the right wing, but Belgium have maintained a high back-line to keep them out, so far.
23:34 IST: Eden Hazard brought down, free-kick for Belgium. Kevin de Bruyne takes a short one as Belgium look to maintain possession on the ball, set tempo.
23:31 IST: Shinji Kagawa takes a shot, off target. Intentions clear from the Japan side, they are going to throw their kitchen sink in the match.
23:30 IST: Kick-off! Romelu Lukaku kicks from right to left to get the match underway.
23:22 IST: National anthems take the centre-stage. Belgium, Japan look in readiness for the kick-off.
23:05 IST: A closer look on the formation of both Belgium and Japan and how they have shaped-up in anticipation of the Round of 16 clash.
23:00 IST: Both Belgium and Japan have arrived for the crucial fixture which will see one of the side out of the World Cup.
22:10 IST: The playing XI between Belgium and Japan have been announced.
21:40 IST: The last time Belgium met Japan was in in 2002 group stages, where both nations shared spoils after a 2-2 draw.
21:35 IST: The Belgium fans looks all thrilled and set for the tense, knock-out clash.
21:32 IST: In the double-header today, we already saw Brazil through to the quarter-finals after they blanked Mexico 2-0 in the previous match.
21:30 IST: Hello and welcome to the live commentary from the Round of 16 clash between Belgium and Japan.
After making nine changes for last Thursday's win over England, Martinez is expected to revert to the line-up which impressed in one-sided wins over Panama and Tunisia. With nine goals so far in Russia, Belgium are the World Cup's top-scoring team.
Striker Romelu Lukaku has claimed four with two against both Tunisia and Panama in the group stages. The Manchester United star is set to face Japan after missing the win over England with an ankle knock. Martinez has all his players fit as Belgium hope to improve their best performance at a World Cup finals, 32 years after reaching the semi-finals of Mexico 1986.
Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, 32, who played for 76 minutes against England, has proven he is over the thigh injury he suffered last month. Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany, also 32, who replaced Vermaelen late on against the Three Lions, could force his way into the starting side after shaking off a groin injury.
But it was Japan that improbably jumped on the scoreboard three minutes into the second half. Jan Vertonghen badly missed a back pass, giving Genki Haraguchi a chance through on goal. He finished clinically, and Japan was in front.
While the first goal came after an error, the second, four minutes later, was pure class. Japan passed the ball around with some skill, and it eventually found Takashi Inui at the top of the box. It didn’t look like a golden chance, but he turned and rifled it into the net.
For 17 minutes, fans were contemplating a dramatic upset. But that’s when the fightback began. Vertonghen was far along the end line, but somehow headed it in from an impossible angle and distance.
Five minutes later, Belgium was on level terms. Substitute Marouane Felliani leaped the highest for Eden Hazard’s inch-perfect cross and headed it home.
To Japan’s credit, it did not back off and kept looking for a goal. But it was favored Belgium who finished off the game 94 minutes in. It was a comeback to remember for Belgium and a heartbreaking end to Japan’s nearly-famous day.
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Here’s how Belgium beat Japan:
FULL TIME: Belgium 3, Japan 2
In the dying seconds, Belgium breaks and gets a 4 on 3. Thomas Meunier slides it across, Romelu Lukaku dummies the ball and it goes to Nacer Chadli, who strokes it in as Japan backpedals. What a comeback!
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90’ + 4: GOAL! BELGIUM LEADS
Nacer Chadli sends it home after it’s tipped to him by Lukaku. Belgium has done it.
90’ + 2: Kompany Draws Whistle
The referee Malang Diedhiou calls Vincent Kompany for a trip, giving Japan a free kick.
90’ +1: Disaster Averted for Belgium
Witsel tries to clear a ball back for a corner, but it tips Osako, and Courtois is forced to make a diving save. That would have been a howler.
88’: Kawashima Saves Again!
Jan Vertonghen from distance and it’s another Kawashima save. Japan hanging on here.
87’: Two Chances for Belgium Are Blocked
Nacer Chadli and Romelu Lukaku get consecutive in-close headers for Belgium and both draw strong saves from Eiji Kawashima.
85’: End-to-End Stuff
This game continues to be played at a fast pace. If it goes to extra time, fitness is going to be a real issue.
84’: Honda Provides Offense
Keisuke Honda, the new sub, races onto a through ball, and it’s dangerous! But his shot goes wide, and maybe should have been a little better.
81’: Japan Brings In Some Offense
Here comes Keisuke Honda for Japan. Another goal-scoring threat in the game. Hotaru Yamaguchi will also check in.
79’: Lukaku Misses With His Head Again
Chadli’s cross looks good, but Lukaku can’t get the full head to it and it’s wide. Belgium is playing with confidence, understandably.
77’: Who Will Score Next?
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Both sides pressing to make it 3-2. A welcome change from some of the cautious play we’ve seen in the World Cup.
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73’: GOAL! Belgium Ties It Up
Belgium have fought back! Marouane Felliani leaps highest for Hazard’s inch-perfect cross and heads it home. Great substitution. This is the rampant Belgium we expected!
73’: Belgium Pushing
Belgium feeling it now as Alderweireld stumps a shot just in front of net wide.
72’: Corner for Japan
Yuto Nagatomo’s cross is a little short and Belgium clears it away. The ensuing corner is also short.
69’: GOAL! Belgium on the Board!
What a header from Vertonghen! He was near the end line and somehow belted it in from an impossible angle and distance. The game is back in the balance!
67’: Bad Corner for Japan
A corner for Japan. Gaku Shibasaki can’t find any of his teammates and sends it in short.
66’: Here’s Fellaini
Belgium will see if Marouane Felliani can change things. He checks in for Mertens, and Chadli comes in for an ineffective Carrasco.
65’: Japan Almost Makes It 3-0
Sakai crosses, and Haraguchi lunges for it. That could have been 3-0, but his header goes wide.
63’: Lukaku’s Header Misses
Thomas Meunier puts a nice cross on Romelu Lukaku’s head and it looks as if we might have a goal for Belgium. But no! It’s just wide.
62’: Japan’s Defense Still Strong
Japan’s defense has not yet showed any signs of slowing. Belgium is still finding a forest of legs to get through, and Lukaku is still not seeing much of the ball.
60’: Belgium Clears
Gaku Shibasaki takes the corner but sends it right to Belgium’s waiting feet.
59’: Corner for Japan
Yuya Osako sends a cross into the box, but Belgium scrambles to clear. Corner coming for Japan.
58’: Can Belgium Dig Out?
Japan’s first goal may have come off a mistake, but the second was a beauty — a seeing-eye scorcher from 25 yards that was unstoppable. Two goals is a deep hole with half an hour to play.
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57’: Belgium Misses Again
Now it’s Carrasco’s turn to shoot, but he sends it way over the bar.
54’: Missed Chance for Belgium
Thomas Meunier tries to chip one into the box but he sends it long. Belgium is pressing now, understandably.
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52’: GOAL! Japan 2, Belgium 0
Japan passes the ball around with some skill and it eventually finds Takashi Inui at the top of the box. It doesn’t look like a golden chance, but darned if he doesn’t turn and rifle past a diving Courtois! 2-0 Japan! A shock result is on the cards here.
50’: Belgium Comes Back Quick
Eden Hazard almost equalizes! He hammered a shot and it caromed off the post! Belgium is up for a comeback here.
47’: GOAL! Japan Leads, 1-0
It came through a mistake all right, Vertonghen badly missed a back pass and that put Haraguchi through on goal. He finished clinically and improbably, Japan is in front!
Second Half kickoff!
Belgium will be looking to do better at getting the ball to Romelu Lukaku. We’ll see how long Japan’s defense can keep up the escape act.
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To the Winner ...
Next up for the winner of this game: Brazil. On the evidence so far, either of these sides will have a problem in that game.
Halftime: Belgium 0, Japan 0
That was Belgium’s half, statistically.
Shots: 10 to 4.
Corners: 5 to 0.
Possession: 55-45.
Passes: 313-248.
But here’s the stat that tops them all: Japan had 26 clearances in the half — 26! to Belgium’s 5.
45’: One More Blast for Belgium
Romelu Lukaku brings down a ball just outside the box and taps it to Dries Mertens, who fires one to the right corner. Eiji Kawashima dives and makes the catch. Another chance spoiled by the stout Japan defense.
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45’: Courtois Almost Lets One Through
Japan counters and shuffles a ball toward goal. It rolls through Osako’s legs, but Courtois spills the easy save, only to pounce on the ball as it rolls to the net. Again, Japan’s best bet to score is through a Belgian error.
44’: Another Threat Ends Up Empty
Belgium in the box. One pass, two passes. But again the third pass, the one bound for Lukaku, is blocked by Japan, and the threat ends.
43’: Japan’s Defense Holds
It’s true that Japan is playing a lot of men back on defense. But full credit: Those men are playing well, always seeming to be in the right place to block a shot or clear the ball.
40’: Yellow for Shibasaki
First yellow of the game to Gaku Shibasaki for a trip.
39’: Belgium’s Fifth Corner
Belgium’s fifth corner (to Japan’s 0) leads to some headers but no shots.
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37’: Hazard Blocked
Belgium again, with numbers. Eden Hazard’s shot is blocked, then Witsel’s blast off the rebound goes way over.
35’: Japan Controlling Things
Japan is controlling more of the ball the last few minutes, though its attacks are less ambitious than Belgium’s: kick a long ball and hope for a Belgium error. But goals like that count, too.
32’: Japan Puts Something Together
A good spell of Japanese possession, though mostly at midfield. It ends when Meunier misses a header and Japan suddenly has the ball by the goal. Inui smashes a good header, but the Belgian goalkeeper Courtois is up to the task.
28’: Foul Ends Belgium Attack
A foul by Thomas Meunier ends Belgium’s attack. The Belgians have been in complete control for at least 10 minutes, finding a roaming Lukaku in and around the box.
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27’: Another Missed Connection
Belgium whips it around the area, but once again the last ball, from Mertens to Lukaku, is errant and Eiji Kawashima is able to jump on it.
24’: Lukaku Living in the Box
Lukaku gets the ball in front of net but can’t quite get a boot on it as Kawashima hampers him. Closest call yet. It’s all Belgium right now.
23’: Belgium on Japan’s Side
Belgium is spending a lot of time in Japan’s end, but not a lot in the danger zone. Japan is hustling on defense and making clearances (8 so far to Belgium’s 3).
20’: Lukaku Keeps Shooting
Lukaku fires a shot from the half moon, but it goes high. He was perhaps hampered by a slide tackle by Nagatomo. Japan has its hands full with the Manchester United striker.
18’: Lukaku Deflected
Belgium is starting to put things together. Romelu Lukaku brings down a cross from Thomas Meunier inside the box but can’t get a good boot on it. His shot is deflected wide for another corner.
17’: Japan Deals With Belgium’s Corner
Kevin de Bruyne on the corner, give-and-go with Eden Hazard and then a chip to Kompany. That’s textbook Belgium, but Japan clears.
15’: Carrasco Is Blocked
A long run by Hazard leads to Carrasco getting the ball in the area, almost being brought down, but sticking with it and firing a shot that is blocked.
11’: De Bruyne Scares Japan
Kevin de Bruyne flips one into the box for Belgium, and Mertens has his man beaten, but is a half-step too slow to get his boot on it.
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10’: Japan Shoots Again
Japan comes right back and makes some noise. Gen Shoji finds some space and decides to go for it. His shot is way over the bar.
8’: Belgium Does Work in the Box
For the first time, Belgium gets an almost-chance. Carrasco and Mertens were in the middle of it, and Lukaku had a quick touch that probably frightened Japan fans. But it’s cleared before a shot can be fired.
6’: Sakai Aggressive
Hiroki Sakai has been an active presence on Japan’s right wing, stealing a pass, then later muscling a Belgian player off the ball. He gets knocked down by Kevin de Bruyne for his trouble.
4’: Free Kick for Belgium
Belgium gets a free kick after Makoto Hasebe tackles a little too roughly. Whistle blows.
2’: Kagawa Fires
A poor clearance by Belgium leads to the first shot by Japan. Kagawa gets it just outside the box and sends it wide. Japan’s offense is definitely more potent with this lineup.
Kickoff!
Here we go. Japan in blue, Belgium in red.
Belgium kicks off, passes it back and there’s a quick early touch for Vincent Kompany, who looks unimpeded by his injury.
Belgium’s Starting Lineup
Goalkeeper: 1 Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Defenders: 2 Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), 4 Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), 15 Thomas Meunier (Paris St Germain), 5 Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
Midfielders: 11 Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), 7 Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City), 10 Eden Hazard (Chelsea), 6 Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian)
Forwards: 9 Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), 14 Dries Mertens (Napoli)
The referee for today’s contest is Mr. Diedhiou of Senegal.
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Japan’s Starting Lineup
Goalkeeper: 1 Eiji Kawashima (Metz)
Defenders: 5 Yuto Nagatomo (Galatasaray), 22 Maya Yoshida (Southampton), 19 Hiroki Sakai (Marseille), 3 Gen Shoji (Kashima Antlers)
Midfielders: 17 Makoto Hasebe (Eintracht Frankfurt), 14 Takashi Inui (Eibar), 10 Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund), 8 Genki Haraguchi (Hertha Berlin), 7 Gaku Shibasaki (Getafe)
Forwards: 15 Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen)
Japan’s four goals in this World Cup come from four different scorers: Kagawa, Osako, Inui and Keisuke Honda. Curiously, none of the four were in the starting lineup for the final group game against Poland, perhaps a reason the team failed to score. Today, Kagawa, Osako and Inui are back in the starting lineup and Honda is on the bench, but would be expected to come in at some point.
Belgium will move on to the quarterfinals of the World Cup thanks to an emphatic last-minute victory, and the largest comeback of the tournament.
Japan appeared as though they were ready to shock the world after scoring two goals within four minutes from Haraguchi and Innui.
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Twenty minutes after the second goal was scored, Belgium began to look lethargic and scared that their World Cup dreams were over. Manager Roberto Martinez then sent in two large subs — Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli — to start launching balls forward. Within four minutes, Belgium had tied the game up after Fellaini soared over Japan's defense for the equalizer.
As the game approached injury time, it seemed as though the nations needed at least another 30 minutes to decide the match. Thibaut Courtois had other ideas and started a counter-attack from a bad corner that resulted in a last-minute game-winning goal to send Belgium to the next round and face Brazil.
We dare you to find a better counterattack!
Chadli finishes off a beautiful team play to give Belgium the win late in stoppage time. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/lbUxZDzG0E — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
Sporting News followed along the game with highlights and scores.
Belgium vs. Japan live: Scores and highlights
90' + 4' — GOAL BELGIUM!!! (3-2) THE RED DEVILS START THE COUNTER-ATTACK FROM THE FAILED CORNER THAT ENDS WITH A CHADLI GAME-WINNER!
90' + 3' — Courtois forced to make a big save AGAIN after an insane Honda free kick dipped dangerously towards the goal.
90' — Four minutes of injury time.
90' — Courtois was forced to make a tough save against Japan that created another corner opportunity for the Japanese. Nothing came of it.
86' — Kawashima to the rescue! Two tough saves were required from the Japanese keeper to keep the game level!
Kawashima comes up HUGE for Japan to keep it 2-2! pic.twitter.com/D2zDex0c8J — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
84' — Honda with a great opportunity for the super-sub goal but Vincent Kompany shows his experiences and closed down the angle to force a corner that yielded nothing.
81' — SUBSTITUTION: Shibasaki OUT, Yamaguchi IN; Haraguchi OUT, Honda IN (Japan)
80' — Belgium have worked the ball back to Japan's side and threatened with two corners in a row. The second corner went out for a Japanese goal kick.
75' — GOAL BELGIUM! (2-2) Marouane Fellaini scores off the corner as he towers over all of Japan's defense for the equalizer!
FELLAINI EQUALIZES!
The big man does what he does best to pull Belgium back level with Japan. pic.twitter.com/syoltmR0DI — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
73' — Belgium counter's from the failed Japanese corner. De Bruyne fired a shot on target where it gets deflected behind the goal for a corner.
72' — Japan drives a counter into Belgian's side of the field. The cross takes a bounce behind the net and leads into a corner.
70' – GOAL BELGIUM! (2-1) Vertonghen takes advantage of the poor Japanese clearance and what appeared to be a headed cross, turned into a lobbed shot on goal.
Vertonghen pulls one back for Belgium!
GAME ON! pic.twitter.com/KIO2uwDaDU — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
69' — Lukaku's shot is blocked out of bounds because of a great slide tackle in the lane from a Japanese defender. Corner kick.
66' — SUBSTITUTION: Mertens OUT, Fellaini IN; Carrasco OUT, Chadli IN (BELGIUM)
65' — Another opportunite for Japan as they continue to exploit the wide areas. A cross through the middle was caught by Courtouis.
62' — SO CLOSE FOR BELGIUM! Lukaku gets his head on the ball from a great cross but sends it wide of the net!
60' — Japan gets a break and a shot on goal that is deflected for a corner kick. The ball gets cleared away by Lukaku.
57' — Carrasco goes for the half-volley for Belgium, but it sails above the net for a goal kick.
52' — GOAL JAPAN!! (2-0) THIS IS NOT A TYPO JAPAN HAS SCORED AGAINST THE RED DEVILS DEFENSE ONCE AGAIN. INUI STRIKES IT FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX TO DOUBLE THE LEAD.
Who saw this coming?!
Inui hits a rocket from outside the box to put Japan up 2-0 on Belgium! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/Bw2famzZiR — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
48' — GOAL JAPAN! (1-0) Haraguchi gets the beautiful ball from his teammate and speeds right past Vertonghen to slot in the opening goal of the game!
JAPAN ARE OUT IN FRONT!
Haraguchi gets in behind the line and puts it past Courtois to put the underdogs up 1-0. pic.twitter.com/UG3bVzd5rx — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
46' — Second half begins.
HALFTIME: Belgium 0, Japan 0
45'+1' — Mertens fires from outside of the box and it gets collected nicely by Kawashima.
45' — Belgium will need to adjust and defend the right side of the field better. Japan has had plenty of opportunites from that side and has almost scored on a few occasions. One minute of injury time
44' — Otako had a chance to tip in the ball and score but it was too soft and Courtouis picked it up....after fumbling it and almost allowing a goal.
Oh boy, Courtois, that was close 😳 pic.twitter.com/UhEL5MCB1V — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
40' — Yellow Card: Shibasaki for a foul on Eden Hazard, who was on the break. Hazard is still down.
38' — Lukaku continues to be a pest for Japan's defense, forcing another corner for the Red Devils.
37' — Hazard on the counter had a great opportunity but the shot was blocked by Japanese defenders. The ball came back to Kevin de Bruyne, who passed it to Witsel. The ball sailed over the bar from his shot.
35' — Innui had a great opportunity for Japan thanks to a great feed. He passed it to Kagawa, who couldn't get his shot off either.
34' — Mertens gets the chance at the edge of the box, but couldn't get the shot off.
31' — Opportunity for Japan! The team drives into Belgium's box and Osako got an opportunity to head it in goal, but it was saved by Courtois.
27' — Another chance for Lukaku following a shot attempt by Hazard. Japan's defense holding firm with deflections on both attempts!
25' — OH SO CLOSE FOR BELGIUM. Lukaku gets the chance in front of goal but he can't turn in time to get on the scoreboard and the ball gets sent to the keeper.
The first big chance for Belgium falls to Lukaku but the striker can't put it away! pic.twitter.com/oQBj3lWYR8 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 2, 2018
23' — The possession game has been flipped on its head and it's now Belgium in total control. A goal just feels close.
21' — Lukaku fires from outside of the box only to get his shot deflected behind goal for another corner. Belgium tried to go short with the corner and could not convert.
17' — Lukaku gets the ball in the box and attempts to turn and shoot, but is stopped by Japan's defense. Ball is deflected out of bounds for another corner. Kompany's shot from the ensuing corner goes wide. Goal kick, Japan.
16' — Hazard received a great feed in the box and brought down the pass with ease. A few passes later and it lands at the feed of Witsel, whose shot gets deflected behind goal for a corner.
10' — BIG chance for Japan! A cross freezes Belgian defenders and the keeper but the intended target wasn't able to get a head on it. Score remains 0-0.
4' — Hazard fouled on the break and gets a free kick on Belgium's third of the pitch.
1' — Japan getting the chances off early with a shot just wide of the net by Kagawa!
Lineups:
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen, Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco, Mertens, Lukaku, Eden Hazard.
Subs: Mignolet, Vermaelen, Fellaini, Thorgan Hazard, Tielemans, Januzaj, Dembele, Boyata, Batshuayi, Chadli, Dendoncker, Casteels.
Japan: Kawashima, Hiroki Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo, Hasebe, Shibasaki, Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inui, Osako.
Subs: Higashiguchi, Ueda, Honda, Endo, Okazaki, Usami, Muto, Yamaguchi, Oshima, Makino, Gotoku Sakai, Nakamura.
