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As it happenedended

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

Molly Hudson
Monday 02 July 2018 21:01 BST
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Belgium World Cup profile

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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.

FULL TIME: Belgium 3-2 Japan

Japan went two up through Haraguchi and Inui with a long range effort, before Vertonghen and Fellaini pulled it back. We looked to be destined for extra time and then with the last kick of the game Chadli converted a clinical counter attack.

I feel like we are due a bad game in this World Cup?

Molly Hudson2 July 2018 20:56

Thanks for joining us for game two of the day, and what a dramatic second half we enjoyed! We'll be back tomorrow as Sweden take on Switzerland, and England play Colombia (finally)!

Molly Hudson2 July 2018 21:06

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