We’ve had some cracking clashes at the 2018 World Cup so far and the last-16 duel between Belgium and Japan has got to be up there with the best of them in Russia, following an absorbing five-goal thriller, which in the end was won by Roberto Martinez's men with the last kick of the game.
It’s fair to say that the opening 45 minutes of the encounter wasn’t the most electrifying on the eye, however what followed after the interval was enthralling from start to finish as Japan took a shock two-goal lead within the space of seven second-half minutes, only for Belgium to roar back and win the match, which in turn set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against Brazil, who beat Mexico 2-0.
Japan’s second, a 25-yard strike from Takashi Inui, was pretty stunning. However, the fifth and final goal from Belgium - in the 94th - was drenched in pace, drama and then jubilation for the Red Devils who completed the 3-2 comeback in sensational style.
The fifth goal itself remarkably came from a Japan corner which landed in the arms of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who instantly hurled the ball out to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Man City star then sped from the outside of his penalty box, passed the half-way line, and deep into Japan territory.
He poked the ball to the onrushing Thomas Meunier on his right. The wing-back passed the ball across the penalty box, which was expertly dummied by Romelu Lukaku into the patch of Nacer Chadli who coolly slotted the ball past Eiji Kawashima into the back of the net.
It was a simply stunning blink-and-you’ll-miss-it counter-attack which sparked unbridled joy from the Belgium brigade and in stark contrast, utter devastation for Japan.
