Belgium will face up with Japan in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup at Rostov Arena Stadium on Tuesday (3/7/2018). Belgian confident could get rid of the only Asian representative left in Russia.
Both teams come to the knockout phase with different conditions. Belgium became Group G winners after a 1-0 win over England in the last game. While Japan is lucky to qualify for the knockout rounds because it has fewer yellow cards than Senegal.
Japan and Senegal have points, productivity goals, and head-to-head alike but Team Samurai Blue (Japan nickname) deserves to qualify as a Group H runner up because it has a better fair play aspect.
Despite confidence with unbeaten capital in 22 matches in all competitions, Belgium remains on the lookout for Japan that relies on team solidity and well-organized games.
In the last meeting in the friendly arena, Roberto Martinez's team won 1-0 over Japan in Belgium in November 2017. At that time Belgian goals printed Romelu Lukaku. The Manchester United striker has scored four goals in two matches in Russia so far and is a strong candidate to win World Cup golden shoes.
Belgium also should be wary of Japan. Recorded, in the last five meetings of both teams, Japan suffered only one defeat. It shows that the Blue Samurai is a strong opponent.
The game will later be proved that representatives of Asia can also speak a lot in the World Cup. They are determined to repeat the success of South Korea who reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.
Estimated players
Belgium (3-4-2-1):
Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Kevin de Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Yannick Carrasco, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku.
Coach: Roberto Martinez
Japan (4-2-3-1):
Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Shoji Gen, Yuto Nagatomo, Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki, Genki Haraguchi, Yoshinori Muto, Takashi Inui, Yuya Osako.
Coach: Akira Nishino
The last five meetings
03-06-1999 Japan Kirin Cup vs. Belgium 0-0
04-06-2002 World Cup Japan vs Belgium 2-2
31-05-2009 Friendship Japan vs Belgium 4-0
19-11-2013 Belgian friendship vs Japan 2-3
14-11-2017 Belgian friendship vs Japan 1-0
