Its Red Devil v/s Blue Samurai at Rostov Arena in Russia. An exciting match which ended with a score 3-2 favorable to Belgium. As an Asian, I was supporting Japan but its heartbreaking to see Japan collapsing in stoppage time. One of the best performance by Japan at least what I have seen.
Hats off to Japan but hard-luck.Belgium shows their class why they are in Top 5. Let's watch out what happens in today's match brought to you by Vivpost.
Hats off to Japan but hard-luck.Belgium shows their class why they are in Top 5. Let's watch out what happens in today's match brought to you by Vivpost.
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Pic Credit: World Cup 2018 |
Pre-Match Analysis
- Belgium scores most goals in the group stages at FIFA WC2018 (Goals = 9).
- Belgium won only 1 game out of 5 against Japan. (Draw 2, Lose 2)
- Previous WC encounter was in 2002 group stages, Draws with 2-2.
- Belgium was unbeaten from last 22 games.
- Prediction: Belgium 88 %, Japan 12%
Match Analysis
Starting from the formation,
Belgium - 3-4-2-1
Japan - 4-2-3-1
0"-15" - First 10 minutes, Japan was aggressive and attacking Belgium.
After 10 minutes, Belgium showed their class and compelled Japanese to defense.
Total passes remain the same till this time (94).
Japan leads in shots as they took 2 shots but none on target.
JAPAN 0-0 BELGIUM
15"-20" - Belgium copes up with their speed and attacks as Hazard and Lukaku take commands. The number of shots increases from 0-5 for Belgium but none on target.
Lukaku impressive but missing too many chances as he is getting too much space.
JAPAN 0-0 BELGIUM
21"-40" - It is some of the great tussles between the teams, no yellow cards till now and clean play by both the teams.
Belgium making most chances but it may be possible that they can be caught on Counterattack.
55% possession by Belgium.
JAPAN 0-0 BELGIUM
41"-45" - Hazard was trips from behind as it is a crucial chance where he can make a ball for Lukaku. Yellow Card for Shibasaki, who does a tactical challenge.
Its seem like anytime goal can come to Belgium as they are trying very hard.
Defense of Japan deserves an applaud as they mark Lukaku and Hazard cautiously.
A serious blooper by Belgian keeper but he saves as nobody near to utilise this golden chance.
JAPAN 0-0 BELGIUM HALFTIME
45"-55" - GOAL!! (47") by Japan, yes you heard it right. Japan strikes, A long pass from midfield and a great control and run by Haraguchi that strikes the ball into far post past the Belgian goalkeeper. Defensive error.
JAPAN 1-0 BELGIUM
52" - GOAL!! An absolute wonder by Inui who strikes from 25 yards to the right corner of the goal.
JAPAN 2-0 BELGIUM
61" - Lukaku got a wonderful cross from the right flank and takes the head but out of luck today as target misses.
67" - Lukaku's shot blocked clear goal scoring chance for Lukaku.
69" - GOAL!! Awesome goal by Vertonghen, 15 yards looping lob-header from an acute angle. What a great header.
JAPAN 2-1 BELGIUM
74" - GOAL!! Super-sub Fellaini strikes as he gets the ball from the left flank and he makes no errors and finishes with the goal. Substituted at 65th minutes and scored at 74".
JAPAN 2-2 BELGIUM
84" - Timely slide by defender saves the day for Belgium as Honda strikes the ball from the left side.
85" - Great save by Japanese goalkeeper Kawashima not 1 but 2 header saves in dying minutes (one of Lukaku).
86" - Another great save by Kawashima as shoot came by 25 yards.
90+3" - Honda's direct kick from free-kick was saved by Courtois.
90+4" - GOAL!! Chadli strikes as it was a complete counterstrike goal by Belgium.
Goalkeeper passes to the middle of the field > player passes to right flank > Right to left grounded cross > Lukaku fakes to make a ball for Chadli > Chadli strikes ball straight to goal.
JAPAN 2-3 BELGIUM
ASIAN DREAMS OVER !!!
STATS
BELGIUM
SHOTS 24
SHOTS(TARGET) 08
POSSESSION 58%
PASSES 595
ACCURACY (PASSES) 86%
FOULS 13
YELLOW CARD 0
JAPAN
SHOTS 11
SHOTS(TARGET) 04
POSSESSION 42%
PASSES 451
ACCURACY (PASSES) 81%
FOULS 09
YELLOW CARD 1
Your views on todays match.
Wow
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