Tuesday, July 3, 2018

BELGIUM STAGE LATE COMEBACK TO EDGE JAPAN

Belgium beat spirited Japan 3-2 to set up a mouthwatering quarterfinals clash with five-time champions Brazil. It was an interesting match as the Japanese went two-nil up before Belgium fought back with three goals.

Japan went ahead right after the break. Haraguchi broke into the area and beat Courtois in the 48th minute. Hardly five minutes later, Inui doubled the lead with a 25 metres attempt.

It looked like Belgium was going to lose this match. But Jan Vertonghen gave his team a new hope with just 20 minutes left to play. His header flew high over the Japanese goalkeeper and hit the back of the net.

Then Marouane Fellaini equalised from close range with a powerful header after receiving a cross from Eden Hazard. And Japan lost their 2 goals cushion and back to square one.

As the match entered the stoppage time, Nacer Chadli got the winner as he converted a cross by Meunier from a quick counter attack.

The Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ have scored 12 goals in four games this World Cup. They will face Brazil in the last eight clash on Friday.

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