Belgium vs Japan LIVE World Cup 2018: Goals, updates and reaction from a thriller in Rostov
Follow all the action from the last-16 clash in Rostov
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Belgium eventually eased their way past Panama then made light work against Tunisia in their opening group games. They qualified as Group G winners after beating England 1-0 in a game they made wholesale changes for.
Japan secured qualification from their group in the most extraordinary manner. They were level on points, goal difference and head-to-head record with Senegal who were in the last ten minutes of their game against Colombia. Those standings remained the same and Japan edge through as Group H runners up due to picking up less yellow cards than Senegal.
The sides met in a friendly match in November 2017 where Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the game.
Follow all the action in the live blog below
What time is it?
Belgium vs Japan kicks off at 19:00 at the Rostov Arena.
Where can I watch it?
BBC will be showing live coverage on BBC1 and online on the BBC Sport website
Odds
Belgium: 2/5
Japan: 9/1
Draw (90 minutes): 7/2
Prediction
Belgium 2-0 Japan. Japan have been extremely well drilled in their group games but are unlikely to have the individual quality to cope with Belgium’s impressive playmakers and forwards.
The Japanese have never advanced past the second round, and having scraped through their group ahead of Senegal on fair play rules, picking up less yellow cards, they will have a point to prove.
Premier League stars also feature in the Japanese side, with Southampton's Maya Yoshida a solid force at the heart of defence, whilst former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa will be hoping to pull the strings in the middle of the pitch. Shinji Okazaki of Leicester is carrying an ankle injury and may play a part towards the end from the bench.
Following the shocks we've seen already in this tournament, who would bet against another one here? They certainly believe.
Roberto Martinez. The often-ridiculed manager who after a remarkable spell at Wigan, eventually saw his demise at Everton. But can he be the man to finally get the best from a generation of Belgium players that promised so much?
His style of play often focuses on possession and attacking rather than defence, which can be said of Belgium in the past. But after holding firm against England, and with the returning Vincent Kompany at the heart of defence, perhaps now is the time for Martinez to step forward and become a national hero, in a job he was the shock candidate for.
The teams are out, andBelgium are currently displaying their very long arms, in a slightly stretched line-up for the anthem...meanwhile in the World Cup of kits, both sides have made a good effort here. Personally a fan of the Japanese kit in Samurai blue...they'll need some warrior spirit if they are to get anything from this one.
KICK OFF: Belgium and Romelu Lukaku get us underway at the Rostov Arena
1 min: Shinji Kagawa gets a chance after poor Belgian play from the back! His effort just wide of Courtois' goal but an early warning side for Belgium
5 mins: Eden Hazard fouled for Belgium. You have a feeling that may happen several more times in this match. Belgium could be a threat from set pieces with their height advantage, with Kompany and Lukaku amongst those strong in the air
9 mins: Yannick Carrasco has made a bright start for Belgium. The left wing back has been popping up all over the pitch, and looks an attacking threat in particular
13 mins: It's not been the most inspiring start to this one, with little in the way of clear chances, and possession from both sides that has had little final ball
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