This summer’s World Cup just keeps delivering excitement and drama. On Monday night, Belgium defeated Japan 3-2 in the last-16 to make it through to the last-eight of the competition.
Japan surprised everybody early in the second half with goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui to stun the Red Devils. It looked as if a major shock was on the cards, until the last 20 minutes when goals from Jan Vertonghen and substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadi broke the hearts of the Asian nation.
There was always a sense that Roberto Martinez’s side would get back into the game, as they kept probing and prodding. With the sheer number of quality players in the Belgian team, a comeback could never be ruled out.
The winning goal with virtually the last kick of the game was a thing of beauty, counter-attacking football at its best. Kevin De Bruyne surged forward and found Thomas Meunier, whose cross was expertly dummied by Romelu Lukaku and Chadli followed in at the far post to fire home.
The result felt slightly harsh on Japan, who had given their all, but there had to be a winner, and Belgium’s quality shone through eventually.
The Red Devils quality may have shone in the final 20 minutes against Japan, but Martinez’s side cannot afford to give Brazil a head start in their quarter-final clash.
The Selecao have produced flashes of the football that they are capable of in their games in Russia. Tite’s side are now unbeaten in their last 15 international matches, so the South American giants will be a significant obstacle to Belgium lifting the trophy in Russia later this month.
On their day, Belgium has enough quality to cause any team problems, and they will head into their last eight clash with Brazil in good spirits.