FIFA World Cup: Belgium strike at the death to break Japanese hearts – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

FIFA World Cup: Belgium strike at the death to break Japanese hearts




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Image Source: Sky Sports

Belgium have gotten out of jail this evening after they scored a 94th minute winner to beat Japan 3-2.

Japan who will be left wondering what might have been were in dreamland when they took a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

However despite being pretty much second best throughout the Belgians managed to come back and steal it at the death.

Japan who held an underperforming in the first half exploded in the second half and found themselves in front when Haraguchi scored in the 48th minute.

The Japanese who executed their early game plan to perfection and found themselves further ahead when Inui smashed home a superb low shot past Courtois to make it 2-0.

Belgium who were clearly struggling, turned to the bench and the introduction of Chadli and Fellaini seemingly paid off as their presence put the Japanese defence under pressure.

That pressure then paid off when Vertonghen pulled one back with a header on the 69th minute, before that man Fellaini nodded home from six yards to draw the scores level.

Japan who were clearly tiring managed to hang on and could have stolen the victory at the death when Honda almost scored a wonderful free kick but only for the out stretched arm of Courtois to prevent it from going in.

Belgium who are always dangerous on the counter-attack then booked their place in the last eight when Chadli tapped in following a quick counter attack from a Japanese corner.

Belgium who will count themselves lucky now go on to face Brazil on Saturday with a place in the semi finals up for grabs.

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