ZCZC
BSP-10
BELGIUM-JAPAN-WC-SNAP
Belgium beat Japan 3-2 in WC-2018
DHAKA, July 3, 2018 (BSS) – Unlucky Japan crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2018 as Belgium came from two goals down to move in the quarterfinals beating Japan by 3-2 goals in the round of 16 match held in the early hour of Tuesday at Rostov Arena in Russia.
After a barren first half, Japan shot into lead in the 48th minutes of the play as Haraguchi latch on Shibasaki ‘s pass to beat the defender Vertonghen and place the ball past Belgium’s goalkeeper Courtois (1-0).
Belgium were stunned as Inui with a brilliant shot made it 2-0 for Japan in 52nd minutes of the play.
Belgium finally woke up from the slumber as Vertonghen’s lucky header reduced the margin in the 69th minute (1-2). Fellaini equalized for Belgium in the 74th minutes of the play with another brilliant header (2-2).
Four minutes into injury time, Belgium broke Japanese hearts as in a breathtaking counter attack.
Belgium goalkeeper Courtois rolls the ball to De Bruyne, who runs 50 yards and feeds Meunier and his minus saw Lukaku creates a dummy to finds Chadli who made no mistake to push the ball into the empty net (3-2) in 94th minutes of the proceedings.
Belgium will play with Brazil in the quarterfinal scheduled to be held on July 6 in Kazan.
BSS/SG/SMM/AU/08:50 hrs