World Cup: Belgium complete remarkable comeback win over Japan

Belgium came from two goals down to earn a 3-2 victory over Japan and secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

After a goalless first half, Japan got ahead in the 48th minute after Genki Haraguchi ran onto Gaku Shibasaki’s long ball to open the scoring.

The Asian side doubled their lead in no time from Takashi Inui’s 25-yard strike, and looked set to stun their opponents – widely acclaimed as one of the favourites of the tournament.

Belgium were thus trailing 2-0 when Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli were brought in the 65th minute.

It was Fellaini who headed in Eden hazard’s cross to score the equaliser on 74 minutes after Jan Vertonghen had pulled one back 5 minutes earlier.

Then Chadli netted a 94th-minute winner to send his country to the last 8 where they face Brazil this Friday.

Read Also: Confusion in NFF as Chris Giwa takes over, Amaju Pinnick protests

The five-goal thriller has gained some nice comments from all over the world, as the 2018 World Cup keeps entertaining viewers globally.

And speaking after the triumph, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said: “You get pushed in games, let’s congratulate Japan, they played the perfect game. They were clinical on the counter and so solid.

“It was a test of character and you see the reaction of our subs coming on to win the game. It tells you everything about this group of players.

“No negatives today, it was about getting through. It is a day to be very proud of these players. Keep believing in Belgium.

“In the World Cup you want to be perfect but it’s about getting through, it’s about winning.”

With the victory, Belgium set up a date with five-time champions Brazil in the quarterfinals.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now