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AP
ROSTOV DEL DON, RUSSIA. – Belgium met expectations. But the Red Devils had to go through a purgatory of which they do not come out almost alive.
In the last breath of the match, Nacer Chadli crowned a sudden counterattack that started by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Defeated Japan 3-2 yesterday
Belgium will face Brazil in the quarterfinals, their second Cup of the consecutive world where they reach the special stage. But it was not easy. He had to overcome a garrafal error in his defense and a 2-0 deficit to finally an opponent who was never intimidated at all.
Quite the contrary. Japan took the lead early in the second half when Jan Vertonghen failed to clear a ball and allowed Genki Haraguchi to only enter against Courtois to shoot him and open the scoring. . Four minutes later, at 52, the wrong moment became a nightmare for the Belgians when Takashi Inui shot an accurate shot from outside the area and dug the gap with the Asians
" This is a test of character and for the team "said the coach of Belgium, Spanish Roberto Martinez. "You have to see how the replacements react, how the whole team reacts in general."
But if anyone could give hope to Belgium, it had to be the one who ripped it off in the first place. Vertonghen was caught with one last corner shot and at a very low angle he took a long header that overcame goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to improbably nestle at the back of the net. Clearly, Vertonghen's intention was not to finish the goal.
It was the spark that triggered the Belgian reaction.
Only five minutes later, the score was linked, Belgian confidence was revived and the Japanese illusion disappeared. . All with Marouane Fellaini's head at close range after a precise center of Eden Hazard.
"When we were 2-0, I really wanted another goal and we had our chances," said Japanese coach Akira Nishino. "We have controlled the game to a certain extent, but Belgium is tight when needed."
The Rostov Arena and a Japanese team that was in the minutes following the quarter-finals for the first time. World Courtois grabbed a corner kick and quickly gave the ball to Kevin De Bruyne in the middle of the field. The Manchester City midfielder dropped Thomas Meunier on the left, sending a cross from the surface.
Romelu Lukaku, who scored four goals but was frustrated throughout the evening, let the ball through with advantage. Chadli, who drilled the nets to end a suspense story that did not lack any ingredients.
Chadli's goal in the final game of the match was the ninth of the 2018 World Cup, which is billed 90 minutes or later to set a win, setting a new record in the tournament.
Chadli scored at 93:43, becoming the last regular time of a match in the knockout phase since Francesco Totti converted to 94:24 for Italy to defeat the first half. Australia in 2006.
Belgium became the first team to reverse a two-goal deficit in the knockout stage since Germany defeated England in overtime at the 1970 tournament. last in the 90 minutes was Portugal when he beat North Korea in the quarterfinals of 1966.
Japan drew the first phase with just enough the one who was second in his group, in front of Senegal, to have fewer accumulated yellow cards.
Nishino described the atmosphere in the Japanese locker room.
What did he say as a consolation?
"Go and shower," he replied.
"They were standing, doing nothing," added the Japanese coach. "I'll talk to you when you get back to the hotel."
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– IMP
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