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World Cup: Belgium seek quarterfinal spot against underdog Japan

By Orri Benatar

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Belgium players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Belgium at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Belgium players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Belgium at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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Belgium has a chance for a date with Brazil in the quarterfinals. First, they need to get by the last non-European/South American team left in Japan.

The Round of 16 will continue in Rostov when Belgium take on Japan for a spot in the quarterfinals. The winner will face Brazil, who knocked out Mexico earlier today with a 2-0 victory. Belgium has played Japan before at the World Cup. The Red Devils drew with the Samurai Blue 2-2 when they played in 2002 at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in Japan.

Japan is the last remaining team in the World Cup not from Europe or South America. The Asian side is trying to become the first Asian team to make the quarterfinals since South Korea in 2002. Meanwhile, Belgium’s golden generation has won both of their Round of 16 match-ups in major tournaments.

They beat the United States at the 2014 World Cup in extra time 2-1 and crushed Hungary 4-0 at Euro 2016. Belgium has still not gotten past the quarterfinals with this squad with losses to Argentina and Wales in 2014 and 2016, respectively. A win against Japan is likely for the Red Devils as they bring back all their top players.

Belgium Starting XI

Roberto Martinez brings back almost all of his regular starters back. Vicent Kompany is now fully fit to play centerback along with the Spurs tandem of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Kompany’s entrance into the squad moves Dedryck Boyata to the bench. All the starting attackers are back after getting the day off against England on Thursday.

https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils/status/1013824106737950722

Japan Starting XI

Akira Nishino rested some of his starters against Poland on Thursday. He brings back the entire starting eleven from Japan’s 2-2 draw against Senegal. Shinji Kagawa is the main man in the middle playing behind the Yuya Osako. Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda will come off the bench early if the Samurai Blue go down early.

Prediction – Belgium 3-0 Japan

The number one team in my power rankings has the easiest match in the Round of 16. Roberto Martinez has put all the starters back in and Belgium will dominate Japan. Japan will create some chances and find some space in Belgium’s back three, but they don’t have the quality up front that the Red Devils have.

Another easy Round of 16 opponent for Belgium and a third straight quarterfinal appearance at a major tournament, setting up a date with Brazil.

Next: Wayne Rooney goes to D.C. United

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