Belgium 3-2 Japan: World Cup highlights and recap

Belgium beat Japan 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, July 2 at Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don. Here are all the highlights from the match.

Belgium came from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday and advance to a quarterfinal date with Brazil on Friday. Roberto Martinez’s side were close to becoming the latest favorite to go crashing out, but saved themselves with an impressive fightback late in the second half.

Both sides had their chances in the first half, and were committed to playing attractive, attacking soccer — a nice change after Sunday’s action — but neither was able to get behind the other’s defense with any regularity. Japan seemed to surprise Belgium with their press early on, but Belgium grew into the match as the half progressed.

Japan stunned Belgium early in the second half, scoring twice in the space of five minutes to put themselves on the brink of another famous upset at this World Cup. Both goals were special strikes, the first from Genki Haraguchi, who drilled an excellent shot into the far corner from a tight angle, the second from Takashi Inui, who beat Thibaut Courtois from distance.

Belgium responded impressively, however, aided perhaps by Japan’s continued willingness to commit bodies forward in attack. Their first goal, a Jan Vertonghen header that looped over Eiji Kawashima into the far corner, was slightly fortunate, but probably deserved given the chances they had created throughout the match.

The equalizer came only five minutes later, Marouane Fellaini, on as a substitute, towering over Japan’s defense to head in an Eden Hazard cross. Again, the goal wasn’t the prettiest Belgium have scored this tournament, but was a sign of their ability to mix things up when their Plan A isn’t working.

With game level at 2-2 and seemingly headed toward extra time, Belgium won it with a stunning counter-attacking goal in second-half stoppage time. After catching a corner, Courtois rolled it to Kevin De Bruyne, who found Steven Meunier on the right wing. Romelu Lukaku dummied Meunier’s cross, leaving Nacer Chadli wide open at the back post to win it for his country.

Next: World Cup group stage by the numbers

Highlights

Belgium will play Brazil in the quarterfinals.