Belgium qualified for the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals after beating Japan with a score of 3-2 in a match that took place at Rostov Arena on Monday (02/07/2018). In this fight, Japan actually had two goals ahead of goals through goals scored by Genki Haraguchi in the 48th minute and Takashi Inui in the 52nd minute.
However, Belgium could turn things around with a Jan Vertonghen header in the 69th minute, Marouane Fellaini in the 74th minute, and put down Nacer Chadli on (90+4).
The Blue Samurai was able to create the first chance with a left-foot shot from Shinji Kagawa. However, the kick from the former Manchester United player was still wide on the left side of the Belgian goalkeeper who guarded Thibaut Courtois.
After that, Belgium began to master the course of action by creating several opportunities. In the 15th minute, Alex Witsel kicks off from outside the penalty box, but is still hit the foot of Japanese players so the ball’s direction changes and produces a corner kick.
Belgian front line forward, Romelu Lukaku, got a chance in the 16th minute. He unleashed a kick, but still not on target. Lukaku again threatened, receiving feedback from the left side of the Japanese defense, Lukaku receives it inside the penalty box, but his mastery is less than perfect so that the Japanese defender can anticipate.
Eden Hazard, the Belgian captain, fired a shot on goal in the 25th minute, but could still be pushed over by goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.
Japan tries to get out of the pressure and occasionally attack. Nagatomo pushed into the right side of the Belgian defense. He passed horizontally, but Yusa Osako failed to take advantage of the opportunity. Until the first half is over, both teams can not create a goal and score are still 0-0.
In the second half, Japan made Belgian fans shocked after creating first goal through Genki Haraguchi, precisely in the 48th minute. Received feedback breakthrough from the middle of field, Haraguchi then managed to control the ball and escaped from Vertonghen guard. He also released a kick that can not be anticipated by Courtois. The score changed 1-0 for Japan.
Disadvantaged, Belgium reacts with pressure. Receiving horizontal cross, Hazard kicks off, but still hits the goalpost.
Japan again made Belgium surprised to score a second goal in the 52nd minute. Takashi Inui kicked the ball with his right foot and could not be blocked by Courtois. However, Belgium did not give up so easily. Roberto Martinez’s men managed to score a goal, even an equalizer. Belgium’s first goal scored by Vertonghen in the 69th minute with a header. The Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who stood too far forward, was unable to dispel Vertonghen’s header into a corner.
Gaining momentum, Belgium could equalize through goals Marouane Fellaini who scored via a header after receiving feedback from Hazard in the 74th minute. Scores were the same, 2-2.
Both teams then create opportunities for each other. The head of Lukaku can still be pushed over by Kawashima. As for Japan is also troublesome through a free kick released by Keisuke Honda.
Belgium finally able to ensure victory through counterattack laid by Nacer Chadli on (90+4).
For the next, in the quarter-finals, Belgium will face Brazil who previously beat Mexico with a score of 2-0.
