Belgium Pull Off Dramatic Comeback To Send Japan Out Of World Cup

Belgium came from two goals down to defeat Japan in the round of 16 on Monday evening to reach the quarter final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Japan took the lead in the 48th minute through Genki Haraguchi. Takashi Inui’s 25-yard strike made it 2-0 and looked set to take the Asian side to their first ever quarter-finals.

But vital changes made by Belgium coach Roberto Martinez which seemed necessary, got the result he wanted.

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen pulled one back for the Europeans in the 69th minute before Marouane Fellani made it 2-2, five minutes later.

Nacer Chadli got the winner in 94th minute to send Japan out of the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rolled the ball to De Bruyne, who had been quiet for 90 minutes but exploded into life when his country needed him.

Martinez’s men are now unbeaten in 23 games.

Belgium are the first side to come from 2-0 down to win in the knockout stage since West Germany beat England in 1970.

Belgium will face the five-time winners Brazil who earlier on Monday defeated Mexico by 2-0.

The game will be played in Kazan on Friday.