itsbeautifuloutside

On the TV the BBC seem to have arranged for some pundits to only join them for part of the tournament. Keeping Jurgen Klinsmann back for these knockout stages must have seemed a good idea at the time. Still, he’s a perceptive analyst and makes some interesting points about the way that kids in Japan learn to play on small areas and keep the ball on the ground.

Belgium had got this far playing either in 2nd gear or their 2nd team, with no true stand-out side in the tournament so far they were still the great unknowns going into this game. We would learn some good things and some not so good things about them, but this was a great game of football.

Japan had done enough to get through their evenly matched group and continued to show that they are a capable and well drilled side with some talent. In the first half they were largely pinned back by Belgium who didn’t really click straight away, reduced to long range shots early on, although they should have had a penalty. Japan defended resolutely though and did try to mount some counter attacks, but were largely let down by the wrong decision when they needed precision. The closest we came to a goal was when Courtois fumbled a simple collection through his legs and had to recover quickly.

Straight after half time the game exploded. In truth it was another poor decision on a counter from Japan that led to the first goal, Shibasaki playing a pass too close to Vertonghen, who inexplicably let the ball run through to Haraguchi. I didn’t really fancy him to score to be honest, but he does well to hold off Vertonghen when he catches up with him and finishes with an excellent low shot into the corner. Belgium almost equalise immediately as Hazard hits the post, then Inui (his name looks the same upside down on his shirt) hits an absolute beauty from 25 yards to make it 2-0 and Belgium look like they are heading out.

Belgium have to rally, but it doesn’t look like their night when Lukaku scuffs a header (if you can scuff headers) from close range. Martinez has been identified as Belgium’s weak link as coach, but credit to him here, he makes a double substitution that goes on to win them the game, with Fellaini and Chadli coming on.

The game continues to be end-to-end, Japan finding it easier to spot gaps as Belgium push forward more desperately and they could easily have got a third goal. As it is, Belgium’s luck turns as Vertonghen’s looping header is only intended to put the ball in the danger area but ends up squeezing in at the back post. 5 minutes later Hazard’s terrific cross is headed in by Fellaini for 2-2.

Japan might have dropped their heads at this point but they continue to play with spirit and go for the win, they nearly get it in stoppage time when a fantastic long range free kick from Honda needs a brilliant save from Courtois. From the resulting corner, Courtois claims it and launches perhaps the best counter attack of the tournament so far, De Bruyne’s driving run and pass, Meunier puts in a low cross, Lukaku dummies brilliantly and Chadli taps in the winner.

A real classic second half, both teams contributed to the excitement that was right in keeping with this brilliantly unpredictable World Cup. It feels very cruel on Japan who showed their talent here and in many ways have taken the pressure off England for finishing second- nobody can now say “We should have won the group and had an easy game against Japan”. From a Saints point of view, Yoshida was a fine captain for his side.

For Belgium, they have passed their first proper test. They found this game difficult at times and were unconvincing in patches, but did enough against tenacious opponents. A completely different challenge coming up against Brazil next. If they can get past them then they would be strong favourites for the tournament and I think they have a decent chance. If the game is as entertaining as this one then make sure you don’t miss it.