FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Belgium vs Japan Preview
Round of 16 matches continue on Monday with Belgium facing Japan at 2 pm ET in Rostov Arena. Belgium come into the match topping Group G after defeating England by a goal in their final group game. Japan, despite losing to Poland progressed to the last 16 behind group winners Colombia.
Background
The Belgians enter the knockout rounds as one of the best looking teams in the tournament so far. The ‘Red Devils’ hold the highest goal difference (7) and won all their group games. Currently on a record 22 unbeaten matches, a win against Japan would see the Europeans enter the quarter finals for a third tournament in a row. Coach Roberto Martinez will surely start the 8 key players who were rested in their final group game against England.
In contrast, Japan are expected to make no changes to their starting lineup. Barely qualifying for the knockout rounds on fair play points, ‘Samurai Blue’ are aiming to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time. Coach Akira Nishino will most likely change the 4-4-2 formation used in their loss to Poland. The experienced Japanese will most likely prefer attacking down the wings which served his side well versus Colombia.
Predicted Lineups
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier; Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku
Japan: Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki; Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako
Prediction
Many at this stage may see Belgium as a potential favorite to win the tournament. Top scorer Lukaku and co certainly made a statement blowing out Panama and Tunisia in group competition. Additionally, Roberto Martinez’ squad showed it’s depth by winning without eight starters in their final group match. Their Asian opponents will run at the three Belgian players currently on a yellow card and hope for something positive. Equally important in Japanese minds, Belgium are without a clean sheet in all of their previous knockout round games. Above all, the Europeans are expected to run away with this match. Japan’s poor record at this phase is telling and with an impressive 9 goals already, expect the Belgian attack to roll on.
Belgium 3 – 0 Japan
