Belgium vs Japan Soccer Preview-Predictions
Belgium meets Japan on their final match of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia hosted at Rostov Arena. The leading goal scorers in the group phase take on Asia’s last remaining representatives.
The Red Devils are aiming to equal their world finals record of four consecutive wins, set four years ago and to reach their third World Cup quarter-final (after Mexico 1986 and Brazil in 2014). The longest in Belgium‘s history is their unbeaten 22-match-run that reflects the quality of hugely talented side.
Japan is intent on winning a last-16-tie for the first time ever. They have advanced from the group phase on fair play points. Makoto Hasebe, Shinji Okazaki, Eiji Kawashima and Yuto Nagatomo have been set already set to play their 11th world finals matches, a national record. They were defeated by Uruguay back in 2010 in South Africa so this time they will be looking to make up for that defeat. That was the last time Japan featured in knockout rounds.
Possible line-ups:
Belgium: Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois.
Japan: Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo, Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui, Eiji Kawashima, Yuya Osako.
Belgium vs Japan Soccer Preview-Predictions