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Japanese Hearts Broken as Belgium Score Late Winner

In another thrilling game at the World Cup, Belgium came from 2-0 down against Japan to win the game 3-2 thanks to an injury time winner. For much of the game Japan looked to be on top, and played with great credit but they could not hold out at the end, and were undone by a flowing Belgium move that took the ball the length of the field before Nacer Chadli slotted home.

After an even first half in which both teams created a couple of half chances, it was Japan who took the lead in the second half. After 52 minutes, it was 2-0 and the Japanese team looked to be on top of the world. Their lead was fully deserved too, they were fantastic for the first 15 minutes of the second half, before they started to fade and tire after playing a very high tempo. This allowed Belgium back into the game, and with so many quality players on the pitch, despite being 2-0 down people still gave them a chance of coming back.

With 21 minutes to go, the comeback started thanks to a header from Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen. That gave the Belgians hope, and knocked the Japanese even further, they were beginning to really struggle at this point, and another goal for Belgium looked to be coming. Just five minutes later, that goal came thanks to Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini and it was very much game on for the final 15 minutes.

Japan seemed to come back into the game at this point and both teams had chances to win it, but right at the end of the game they showed their lack of game management, and were punished for it. In the final minute of stoppage time they had a corner and threw everyone forward in an attempt to score the winner. They didn’t, and left themselves wide open to a Belgian break, which is exactly what happened. It was fantastic to watch, and within seconds they were moving into the Japanese penalty area, where Nacer Chadli slotted the ball home to the delight of the Belgian players, officials and fans.

It was a remarkable turnaround, and one that broke Japanese hearts, but the goal scored to win the game was a fantastic move, and one worthy of winning any game of football.

Brazil up Next for Belgium

After their comeback, Belgium have set up what promises to be a fantastic game against Brazil on Friday night. This is the one quarter final that stands out on paper, and looks set to be a fantastic game of football. Both teams are loaded with flair players, so you can expect to see plenty of them on the ball, and plenty of attacking as both look to make the semi finals.

Although they have a very tough run in, Belgium continue to shorten for the World Cup and they are now as low as 6.0 to lift the trophy in less than two weeks. They will have to play better than last night, but are still in the competition with a chance.