Belgium were favourite to win the game after coming through the group stage by winning all their matches while Japan only piped Senegal to the last 16 spot through the fair play rule.
Belgium were expected to runaway with the game, however, Japan has proved to be a good challenge for the talented Europeans. Though Belgium seem to be on top of their game going forward, Japan pushed forward with intent when they got the chance.
Japan came out in the second half like a house on fire. Determined not to be pushovers, the former Asian champions struck early in the second half with two quick goals, leaving Belgium shell shocked and generally confused.
However, Belgium put themselves together and inch their way into the game, the pulled it back to 2-2 with a quick fire effort and finally won the game with the last kick of the match to break Japanese hearts.
Moments
25′ Yoshida appears to push Lukaku
27′ Kompany’s effort skips past the goal
30′ Japan go close to breaking the deadlock against the run of play
44′ Courtois almost lets the ball skip into his own net
48′ GOAL! Belgium 0-1 Japan Haraguchi
49′ Hazard goes close to equalising but see his shot denied by the post
52′ GOAL Belgium 0-2 Japan Inui
64′ Japan nearly score a third
69′ GOAL! Belgium 1-2 Japan Vertonghen
74′ GOAL! Belgium 2-2 Japan Fellaini
Match Statistics
Player Rating
Line-up
