Belgium vs Japan and what a superb match this turned out to be for so many reasons. Firstly Japan were the only Asia team left in the competition against the top scorers of the group stages. Brazil started the brighter but overall the first half was relatively quiet, but that was soon to change very quickly.
The second-half exploded from the off and it was started by Japan, who broke twice very quickly in the opening eight minutes to scored two goals, their first ever in the knock-out stage of a World Cup. Japan’s bench went wild and Roberto Martinez and his staff looked shell-shocked. Chances were coming for Belgium but bizarrely it was a headed Vertonghen cross that looped in with twenty mins to go.
Belgium from then on in knew they were back in the game and just five minutes later, Hazard superbly crossed for substitute Fellaini to nod on in the equaliser. There was then only going to be won winner and what a goal to win it for Belgium, possibly goal of the tournament so far. Courtois collected and injury-time corner, charged to the edge of his area and threw it to De Bruyne, he sprinted away with the ball and played in Meunier on the right. From there he slid across the goal, Lukaku dummied it and Chadli tapped it in with literally the last kick of the game. Five second-half goals and a remarkable game of football. Brazil next for Belgium in Kazan.
Belgium 3–2 Japan
Vertonghen Goal 69′
Fellaini Goal 74′
Chadli Goal 90+4′
Haraguchi Goal 48′
Inui Goal 52′
Next fixture for Belgium:
Friday July 6th: Brazil v Belgium – Kazan, 7pm (Match 58)
Brazil vs Mexico and only Japan had longer odds to win the World Cup than Mexico, with Brazil being the outright favorites still. It must be worrying for Mexico too, having to rely on 39-year-old Marquez in the middle of their midfield, of course he’s had an outstanding twenty-two year career but surely they must have better options?
Mexico held their own in the first half and it was only really half-chances that came both teams way, but credit where credits due, the defenders of Brazil and Mexico defended well. Into the second-half and it didn’t take Brazil long to finally break the deadlock, the finish itself was only a tap in, but it was all started by their main man. As he initially started the move with a cheeky back heel into the path of Willian, he went wide and then whipped the ball to the back post to find Neymar, who continued his run and he slotted home.
After that the game opened right up, Mexico tried to push forward but every time they left gaps all over the place at the back for Brazil to find. Embarrassing antics from Neymar at times as well though, rolling around all over the place after an incident near the dug outs. Finally though the game was sealed when Firmino came off the bench right at the end and he scored instantly after tapping in the rebound from Neymar’s shot.
Brazil 2–0 Mexico
Neymar Goal 51′
Firmino Goal 88′
Next fixture for Brazil:
Friday July 6th: Brazil v Belgium – Kazan, 7pm (Match 58)
