Belgium vs Japan LIVE World Cup 2018: Goals, updates and reaction from a thriller in Rostov
Follow all the action from the last-16 clash in Rostov
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Belgium eventually eased their way past Panama then made light work against Tunisia in their opening group games. They qualified as Group G winners after beating England 1-0 in a game they made wholesale changes for.
Japan secured qualification from their group in the most extraordinary manner. They were level on points, goal difference and head-to-head record with Senegal who were in the last ten minutes of their game against Colombia. Those standings remained the same and Japan edge through as Group H runners up due to picking up less yellow cards than Senegal.
The sides met in a friendly match in November 2017 where Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the game.
Follow all the action in the live blog below
What time is it?
Belgium vs Japan kicks off at 19:00 at the Rostov Arena.
Where can I watch it?
BBC will be showing live coverage on BBC1 and online on the BBC Sport website
Odds
Belgium: 2/5
Japan: 9/1
Draw (90 minutes): 7/2
Prediction
Belgium 2-0 Japan. Japan have been extremely well drilled in their group games but are unlikely to have the individual quality to cope with Belgium’s impressive playmakers and forwards.
17 mins: That corner summed up these opening minutes of action. Belgium went short and their delivery to the back post comes to nothing.
This time Lukaku has an effort deflected wide and they have another corner
21 mins: Lukaku has another shot blocked. It's another corner. Do you sense a pattern here?
De Bruyne puts in a better delivery this time, but Mertens can't control it.
26 mins: Lukaku has the best chance of the game so far, and after an inch-perfect ball is played into him, it gets trapped under his foot and Kawashima can gather
28 mins: Mertens ball in looks headed for Lukaku, but Yoshida turns it back for a corner.
CLOSE! Kompany almost gets the opener as he latches onto a De Bruyne ball, but a mixture of luck and Kawashima's defence block the shot
31 mins: A brilliant touch from Kagawa brings down a hopeful ball and almost creates an opening for Japan, but Courtois can gather the eventual tame effort. You feel this game needs a goal to really spark it into action
37 mins: We are back into a lull and it's been less than inspiring first half.Belgium have had the best chances but lacking a final ball
40 mins: Hazard on the end of a harsh tackle but he's back on his feet. The resulting free kick comes to nothing and we are dragging ourselves to half-time here
44 mins: We almost had drama at the very end of the half! Japan went close, but it looked as though Courtois easily saved. Instead he dropped it between his legs, fortunately for him saving it before it could cross the line
HALF TIME: Belgium 0-0 Japan
The 'easier' round of 16 tie, not looking quite so easy now. Belgium making hard work of it, and Japan have had the occasional chance of their own
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments