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Vincent Kompany was set to make his first start to the World Cup on Monday in one of 10 changes for Belgium against Japan, who also switched six players for the last-16 clash. The winner of the knockout match in Rostov will face Brazil, who earlier beat Mexico 2-0, in a quarterfinal in Kazan on Friday. As expected, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez made from England 1-0 in the group stages. He is reverting mainly to the same starting line-up that thrashed Tunisia 5-2, with Manchester City defender Kompany as the only new addition, in for Dedryck Boyata at center-back. Striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored four goals so far in Russia, returned to lead Belgium's star-studded attack. Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, and Kevin De Bruyne were restored in England. Japan coach Akira Nishino also revamped his starting line-up after the 1-0 defeat to Poland in the group stages. (LIVE SCORES: Belgium vs. Japan)
Live Updates Between Belgium vs. Japan, 2018 FIFA World Cup, straight from Rostov Arena Rostov-On-Don
23:35 IST: Japan combining well through the right wing, but Belgium have maintained a high back-line to keep them out, so far.
23:34 IST: Eden Hazard brought down, free-kick for Belgium. Kevin de Bruyne takes a look at the game.
23:31 IST: Shinji Kagawa takes a shot, off target. Intentions from the Japan side, they are going to throw their kitchen sink in the game.
23:30 IST: Kick-off! Romelu Lukaku kicks from right to left to get the match underway.
23:22 IST: National anthems take the center-stage. Belgium, Japan look in readiness for the kick-off.
23:05 IST: A closer look on the formation of both Belgium and Japan and how they have shaped in anticipation of the Round of 16 clash.
And here are how #BEL and #JPN are shaping up for #BELJPN …
Thoughts on the teams? #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/N2JNZkPL0v
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
23:00 IST: Both Belgium and Japan have arrived for the crucial fixture which will be part of the World Cup.
Welcome to Rostov-on-Don, #BEL and #JPN !
Want to watch #BELJPN live tonight? TV listings https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO#WorldCup
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
22:10 IST: The playing XI between Belgium and Japan have been announced.
We have our teams for #BELJPN ! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/hDFXg7n6Kg
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
9:40 PM IST: The last time Belgium sets Japan was in in 2002 group stages, where both nations shared spoils after a 2-2 draw
21:35 IST: The Belgium Fans looks all thrilled and set for the tense, knock-out clash.
Color the world #REDTOGETHER #WorldCup #BELJPN pic.twitter.com/jebWuC9m9G
– Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 2, 2018 [19659013] 21:32 IST: In the double-header today, we already saw Brazil through to the quarter-finals after they blanked Mexico 2-0 in the previous match.
21:30 IST: Hello and welcome to the live commentary from the Round of 16 clash between Belgium and Japan.
After making nine changes for last Thursday's win over England, Martinez is expected to revert to line-up which impressed in one-sided wins over Panama and Tunisia. With nine goals so far in Russia, Belgium are the World Cup's top-scoring team.
Striker Romelu Lukaku The Manchester United star is set to face Japan after missing the win with an ankle knock. Martinez has all his players fit as Belgium hopes to improve their best performance at a World Cup finals, 32 years after reaching the semi-finals of Mexico 1986.
Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, 32, who played for 76 minutes against England, has suffered last month. Manchester City center-back Vincent Kompany, also 32, who replaced Vermaelen late on against the Three Lions, could force his way into the starting side after shaking off a groin injury.
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