The 2018 World Cup has been simply incredible so far, with stunning strikes, shock upsets and a feast of VAR related drama, yet few could have predicted the shock scenes that occurred in the opening seven second-half minutes of Belgium’s last-16 clash with Japan.
Japan, the 9/1 outsiders to win the match in 90 minutes, were outplayed but not out-battled in the opening 45 minutes of the match, however Belgium were expected to step it up a notch after guzzling down their half-time energy drinks.
But, to the surprise of even their own fans Japan exploded out the blocks and bagged two goals in the space of seven astonishing minutes, to leave hot favourites Belgium completely shellshocked.
The first goal came in the 48th minute from Genki Haraguchi. A defence-splitting pass sent him through on goal, but despite a moment of hesitation, he composed himself and fired a low shot past Courtois into the bottom left-corner of the net.
Cue jubilation from the players, staff, fans and no doubt millions of neutrals around the globe.
However, Akira Nishino’s men weren’t done there.
Four minutes later the Blue Samurai doubled their lead after Takashi Inui smashed home an absolute corker from 25 yards. It's some strike and you can check it out in the video below.
Should Japan, who have never won a World Cup knockout match, hold on for a staggering win then they will set-up a clash with tournament favourites Brazil who beat Mexico 2-0 earlier on Monday.
