2018-07-03 02:31:24am

2018 FIFA World Cup: Belgium 3-2 Japan- Chadli strikes in the added minute to beg quarterfinal berth

In one of the most spectacular matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Belgium made a great come back from 2-0 down to gain the 3-2 victory over Japan in the Round of 16 clash at Rostov Arena on Monday night.

After a goalless draw second half was quite a different match altogether. The goals coming in quick succession and tempo of the game remained high all throughout the second half stage.

Japan end the deadlock in the third minute of the second half thorough Haraguchi who was fitted a long through ball by Shibasaki, Vertonghen failed to get a touch and Haraguchi latches to collect and fired a shot that went past Courtois.

 Belgium responded well with the counter and almost found the equalizer but Hazard´s shot from just inside the box come off the post.

Japan doubled the lead three minutes later through Inui´s shot from the distance. Inui received the ball outside the box and fires a powerful shot that landed into the bottom right corner of the net.

All of a sudden the tempo of the game went up high and Belgium looked desperate for the goal. Lukaku´s header in the 62nd minute went off the post to frustrate him further.

Belgium kept the pressure on Japan and pulled back one in the 69th minute. Vertonghen headed the ball that fell into the far corner of the post beyond the reach of Eiji Kawashima.

Belgium found the equalizer five minutes later through Fellaini´s header on Hazard delightful cross. Japan continued to threat Belgium with their quick counter-attack, however, Belgium looked on control after the equalizer.

35-year-old Japanese custodian Eiji Kawashima made a spectacular double save in the 85th minute of the game denying Meunier at the first instance and in a fraction of seconds Lukaku´s header was palmed away.

Belgium picked up the counter-attack in the injury minute to seal the match in their favor. De Bruyne rolled the ball wide to Meunier who sent a low cross inside the box that was left by Lukaku and Chadli made the touch to give The Red Devils the quarter-final berth.

 

Belgium came back from two goals down to steal the show in the five-goal thriller, Chadli injury minute goal made the difference...