The Japanese national team came within half an hour away from pulling off one of the more shocking results of the Word Cup on Monday. Japan held what seemed to be a convincing 2-0 lead in the second half before the talented Belgians stormed back to take control of the game in the final seconds. Despite struggling throughout the entire match, Belgium regained its group stage form, scoring three goals in the final 25 minutes to earn a 3-2 victory. Nacer Chadli scored in the 94th minute, the final minute of stoppage time, to complete the comeback and send Roberto Martinez's team to the quarterfinals, where it will face Brazil. The game came alive after a scoreless first half that say plenty of chances for each team. Belgium was a bit sloppy while Japan's defense was able to give the favorites problems when it came to playing the ball over the top. And then, Japan found a breakthrough, twice. Genki Haraguchi scored a fine opener in the box on 48 minutes before Takashi Inui made it 2-0 four minutes later with this golazo: The hour-mark passed, and as we neared closer to the 70th minute, Belgium needed a spark. And it got it with this miraculous header from Jan Vertonghen in the 69th minute: Then another header, five minutes later, equalized things thanks to floppy-haired Marouane Fellaini: Belgium continued to push for a winner but was denied by some fine saves from Eiji Kawashima until it pulled off one of the most lethal counterattacks of the cup. Belgium defended a Japan corner kick in the 94th minute, and left everyone in the dust, with Romelu Lukaku's dummy falling right to Chadli for the dramatic winner: That was something else. And it now produces the dream matchup of Brazil vs. Belgium. Japan deserved more and put together a performance few thought it could, but in the end Belgium's talent was just too much. Brazil and Belgium will play on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. You can stream every World Cup match on fuboTV (Try for free). Relive commentary from Monday's Belgium vs. Japan match If the live blog doesn't load properly, click here.<doc-sep>Belgium scored a last-gasp winner to beat Japan on Monday and set up a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil. The match looked set for extra-time after goals from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini cancelled out efforts from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui. But as the seconds ticked down, Belgium poured forward and Nacer Chadli grabbed a dramatic winner. Belgium, who made 10 changes for the match, were by far the better side but Japan defended doggedly and threatened on the break as they seek to reach a World Cup quarter-final for the first time. The winner of the knockout match in Rostov will face Brazil, who earlier beat Mexico 2-0, in a quarter-final in Kazan on Friday. As expected, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez made wholesale changes from the side that beat England 1-0 in the group stages. He reverted 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 centre-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 a powerful midfield after being rested against England. Japan coach Akira Nishino also revamped his starting line-up after the 1-0 defeat to Poland in the group stages. (Highlights: Belgium vs Japan) Highlights Between Belgium vs Japan, 2018 FIFA World Cup, straight from Rostov Arena Rostov-On-Don 01:24 IST: FT: Belgium 3-2 Japan. Thank you for joining us on all the action, until next time, it's goodbye! 01:22 IST: GOAL! High quality counter-attack from Belgium, Lukaku plays a dummy as Chadli in space behind unmarked, makes no mistake to tuck it away for a goal. 01:20 IST: Free-kick for Japan in the 93rd minute, came off a Kompany foul. Honda strucks a brilliant one but Courtois keeps it out. Japan have a corner but Courtois catches it and initiates a counter-attack. 01:18 IST: 4 minutes added! Japan have a corner. But the ball has been tucked away by the Belgian defence. 01:13 IST: DOUBLE SAVE! 35-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima keeps first Chadli and then Lukaku out -- both from a close range header. 86 minutes played! 01:11 IST: Honda makes a lovely run inside the box, from a through ball but the ball hits the side-netting. 01:10 IST: Japan have brought in Keisuke Honda to replace Haraguchi in the 81st minute. 01:06 IST: Belgium have the tempo, momentum of the match. We have seen 4 shots on target in the second-half, all on corner. Meanwhile, it's a corner for Belgium -- Kompany's header has been tucked away. Goal kick for Japan! 01:01 IST: GOAL! Fellaini puts Belgium level, through a brilliant cross delivered by Eden Hazard. After 74 minutes Belgium 2-2 Japan. 00:59 IST: Inui from the left flank finds Nagatomo ahead of him, who delivers a cross but Osako's shot has been denied. This is beginning to become a thriller of a contest. 00:57 IST: GOAL! An astonishing header from Jan Vertonghen pulls one back for Belgium, Japan failed to clear their lines, paid the price. Belgium 1-2 Japan. 00:55 IST: Sloppy from Japan in the midfield, Witsel finds Fellaini on the right flank the cross comes in for Lukaku but well blocked by the Yoshida to keep his shot out. 68 minutes have been played. 00:52 IST: Double Substitution for Belgium, Fellaini steps in place of Mertens while Chadli replaces Carrasco in the 65th minute. 00:50 IST: Romelu Lukaku misses a chance from close range, his header goes wide off target from a cross well delivered by Vertonghen on the 61st minute. 00:40 IST: GOAAAL! Takashi Inui scores a blinder from outside the box. Belgium in trouble. After 52 minutes, Belgium 0-2 Japan. Japan have now scored more goals in the ongoing World Cup then they have ever done in any other World Cup. 00:38 IST: Eden Hazard hits the POST, on the counter. 00:35 IST: GOAL! Genki Haraguchi puts Japan in the lead, 48th minute. Gets past Jan Vertonghen through an excellent through ball to break the deadlock. Belgium 0-1 Japan. 00:33 IST: Japan gets the second-half underway. Neither side have made any changes in the half-time. 00:15 IST: One minute added for the half-time. It remains Belgium 0-0 Japan at half-time as the referee blows the whistle. 00:14 IST: Courtois spills it, after Nagamoto plays a ball throw the left wing to find Osako who gets a touch as the goalkeeper grabs the ball on the second attempt. 00:09 IST: Eden Hazard brought down by Shibasaki as he collects the first yellow card of the evening. 40 minutes through, still goalless. 00:06 IST: Hazard shoots from inside the box, BLOCKED! Yoshida does well to keep the Chelsea star out. 36 minutes on the clock. 00:05 IST: Belgium stretched for a few seconds, Japan initiate an attack from the right flank, make a cross but lose the ball, quite easily. 00:01 IST: Shinji Kagawa does well inside the box, to get past the Belgian defenders, crosses the ball but the header straight into the hand of Thibaut Courtois 23:58 IST: Japan trying to play long balls, only to lose away the ball with ease to Belgium. 30 minutes on the clock. 23:55 IST: Chance for Belgium in the 25th minute, off a fine cross which locates Lukaku in space but Yoshida does well to keep him out. Constant threat from Belgium! 23:53 IST: Belgium have set the tempo, Japan forced to play on the defence. Lukaku from the right flank switches play Carrasco tries to play the ball to Hazard but the link-up play fails, the ball was a bit to heavy. 23:50 IST: Romelu Lukaku in space, takes a shot, unmarked but the defender does well to keep him out. CORNER for Belgium! Kevin de Bruyne takes it but the ball is safely cleared away by the Japan defence. 23:45 IST: Axel Witsel takes a shot from outside the box, deflected for CORNER! De Bruyne takes a short one, the ball on the return finds Vincent Kompany who heads it only to see the ball cleared away by Japanese defence. 23:44 IST: Eden Hazard makes a long run, opens up space passes the ball to Carrasco who rolls it inside the box but Haraguchi does well to keep the threat away. 23:40 IST: Kevin de Bruyne plays a cheeky chip to target Dries Mertens inside the box, but the ball falls to heavily for him. 11 minutes played. 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 short one as Belgium look to maintain possession on the ball, set tempo. 23:31 IST: Shinji Kagawa takes a shot, off target. Intentions clear from the Japan side, they are going to throw their kitchen sink in the match. 23:30 IST: Kick-off! Romelu Lukaku kicks from right to left to get the match underway. 23:22 IST: National anthems take the centre-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-up in anticipation of the Round of 16 clash. 23:00 IST: Both Belgium and Japan have arrived for the crucial fixture which will see one of the side out of the World Cup. 22:10 IST: The playing XI between Belgium and Japan have been announced. 21:40 IST: The last time Belgium met 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. 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 the line-up which impressed in one-sided wins over Panama and Tunisia.<doc-sep>Monday morning in Los Angeles will be something of an international holiday. That’s because the upstart Mexico soccer team is taking on traditional powerhouse Brazil in a match-up that will grab the city’s attention span for two hours starting at 7 AM Pacific. FoxS1 has the televised coverage. If that’s not enough, Belgium faces off against Japan at 11 AM Pacific, with television coverage by Fox. The final 16 teams have been scheduled into brackets for this knockout stage of the tournament, which began Saturday. Two matches will be played each day in the single-elimination phrase. The month-long World Cup tournament concludes on July 15. Coverage of the event will continue to be at an all time high. Social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter will offer recaps and highlights, and there is a selection of television as well. Related Story NBC Announces Mary Carillo, Andrea Joyce, Jimmy Roberts Returning As Commentators For 2021 Tokyo Olympics BROADCAST Fox Sports, in the first year of its exclusive U.S. English-language rights deal, will air 38 games live on the Fox network — more games on broadcast than during the previous four World Cups combined, and the most ever for an English-language network. In all, it will air more than 350 hours of programming. Fox Sports 1 will air an additional 26 matches, and all 64 games will be live-streamed via Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer Match Pass. Fox Sports’ studio is a two-story complex based in Russia’s Red Square featuring two sets, a main anchor desk and an interview area for pregame, postgame and late-night shows. Programs in the mix include World Cup Live, hosted by Kate Abdo; World Cup Today, with Rob Stone; and World Cup Tonight, with host Fernando Fiore. Foxsports.com (for authenticated users) and the Fox Sports App will feature via the FIFA World Cup Hub live streams and full replays of all 64 matches and includes five bonus feeds (including a “tactical view,” from high above the goal, to see all 22 players) totaling seven extra hours of coverage per match, commentary, rosters, stats and highlights. Team Channels will include three live video feeds (match simulcast, player and coach/bench) as well as real-time, team-vs.-team stats concurrent with action from various angles of the field, and Match 360 will offer behind-the-scenes looks two hours before each kickoff chronicling everything from team bus arrivals to pregame warm-ups. Also of note: the Highlight Machine, via which users can create their own highlight reel by year, team, player, matches or play type, with the ability to share on social media platforms. Additionally, Fox has partnered with tech company LiveLike for a VR experience via the Fox Sports VR app, where fans can stream all 64 games from multiple angles while sitting in virtual luxury suite. Check out the full Fox TV schedule of games here. Also in its first year of exclusive U.S. rights, NBCUniversal-owned Telemundo‘s Spanish-language coverage including more than 500 hours on TV via Telemundo and Universo and 1,000-plus hours across digital, including live-streaming all 64 games via apps Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and NBC Sports, the Telemundo stations’ apps, and across mobile, tablet and most connected TV devices (Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Xbox, Sony Playstation 4, Samsung Smart TV’s). The live stream will feature an exclusive view to the games through six extra camera angles. Live stats, press conferences and player interviews will also be available. In addition, the new Telemundo Deportes VR App will feature all 64 games in a virtual VIP suite through a super-wide-angle feed, along with 360-degree content featuring dressing rooms, team bus arrivals, and the opening and closing ceremonies. Telemundo’s Un Nuevo Día begins 32 days of special programming, “Somos fans como tu” (We are fans like you), on Thursday at 6 AM ET live from Moscow. Check out the full Telemundo-Universo TV schedule of games here. Deadline’s rundown of overseas broadcasters’ plans from the BBC and ITV in the UK to ARD and ZDF in Germany, Mediaset Espana in Spain and Televisa, TV Azteca and Sky in Mexico. Check it out here. ESPN The worldwide leader no longer has U.S. rights, but it’s still going all-in. Its English-language coverage will include a special one-hour SportsCenter (mostly on ESPN2) at 5 PM ET on every match day of the tournament. ESPN FC, the U.S.’s global soccer program available on ESPN+, the ESPN App and ESPN.com, will also air daily. ESPN Deportes will offer coverage via SportsCenter, Fútbol Picante, Jorge Ramos y su Banda, Raza Deportiva, Los Capitanes, Cronómetro and more via its set in Moscow. Among the cool World Cup treats: ESPN Fantasy is rolling out an ESPN FC Match Predictor, a game that gives fans the chance to pick the winners for each round and compete for prizes. ONLINE Twitter In addition to Fox’s and Telemundo’s handles, FIFA’s official feed is @FIFAWorldCup, offering access to match coverage, behind-the-scenes video and photos and access to players in seven languages (i.e., @fifaworldcup_es, @fifaworldcup_de, @fifaworldcup_fr). Players also are active on the platform, like Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano), Brazil’s Neymar (@neymarjr) and Colombia’s James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez). Game-specific hashtags will also make things easy to and follow (see chart at right). YouTube The video platform’s YouTube TV will offer all games live in U.S. markets in English and Spanish through Fox, Telemundo and NBC Universo, and the YouTube TV cloud DVR feature is available to record matches. Globally, there will be video highlights from official FIFA broadcasters in more than 80 countries including the BBC in the UK, ARD Sportschau in Germany, NHK in Japan, Kwese in Nigeria and across Africa, Televisa in Mexico, and Latina Televisión in Peru. The official FIFA channel will share content from around the tournament and keep users up-to-date with the latest news. Instagram The platform will make it easy for fans to interact using Instagram Stories, with features including Polls (for pre-match predictions), easy access to business profiles to purchase team products, an Emoji Slider and GIFs. To interact directly during games, there is Go LIVE Live video and Instagram Direct. Suggestions to follow during the tournament: @fifaworldcup, @worldsoccertalk, @whereisfootball, @foxsoccer. Key tags: #WorldCup, #Russia2018, #FIFA18. Facebook No live matches, but the world’s biggest social media site is utilizing its Facebook Messenger chat service, adding World Cup filters. Hulu The service is offering a free 7-day trial of Hulu with Live TV via Fox, FS1 and Telemundo, with content including full event replays, recaps and highlights available at the World Cup hub (Fox Sports’ Phenoms docuseries will be made available to all subscribers). Viewers can search for their favorite team and add them to “My Stuff” to ensure those games are recorded. For the semifinals and final, Hulu will offer a multi-stream experience (five live bonus feeds) for Hulu with Live TV subs. Apple Yes, you can ask Siri about World Cup scores, schedules, standings and team rosters. Brazil, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel have been to the list of 26 countries that already support Siri sports. Apple News will also feature up-to-date scores and schedules, a knockout bracket, and profiles from Eight by Eight magazine. The App Store will be featuring soccer-related apps from Fox Now and BBC Sport to games including FIFA Mobile and PES 2018. Via the Apple TV App, along with the broadcast options teams and matches can be followed on Up Next, and subscribers will have the ability to receive notifications on their Apple devices when their team is playing or a game is close. Another cool feature: Apple Music will offer playlists for each of the 32 countries, good for pregame soundtracking to amp you up for kickoff, and postgame to celebrate (or wallow). DirecTV A first in World Cup history, the satellite provider is offering all 64 games live on Fox and FS1 in 4K High Dynamic Range — with 10-bit color depth and at 60 frames per second — for its 4K subs. Those feeds are available on channels 105 and 106.<doc-sep>
On a day when Belgium struggled for so long to do the simple things, Roberto Martinez went back to basics to turn around a 2-0 deficit, wipe away the sweat and see his side through to a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil. If you were being charitable you would credit Martinez for having a plan B, though the Belgian press are unlikely to see it that way after a game in which the Red Devils, with their embarrassingly-deep, scarily-talented squad, were outplayed for large parts by Japan. What won this game for Belgium, however, after a poor first half and an ugly comeback, was plan A - the sweeping, beautiful football that the Spaniard has always advocated. Lightning to go with the thunder. Goalless at half-time, both sides were ruing a lack of final ball in a game that looked in danger of petering out. But all it took was one mistake from Jan Vertonghen to turn a dangerous-looking pass from Takashi Inui into the perfect through ball, and Genki Haraguchi faked out Thibaut Courtois before sticking it beyond the Belgian and seemingly setting this wild World Cup on course for its latest upset. World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Show all 24 1 /24 World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Belgium AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Thibaut Courtois - 6 Dropped the ball between his legs after an easy save and looked uncertain. Japan could and should have tested him further AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Toby Alderweireld - 7 Had moments of uncertainty like his other defenders, but managed to recover on most occasions will likely face more difficult challenges as Belgium progress further EPA World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Vincent Kompany - 7 Surprisingly went closest for Belgium in the first half from set pieces, and looked assured on his return from injury AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Jan Vertonghen - 7 Should have done better for Japan’s goal, his failed interception left Haraguchi with time to slot home AP World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Thomas Meunier - 6 Underperformed for the majority of the game and will face tougher tests in the game against Brazil Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Kevin De Bruyne - 7 Had the ability to find the important pass that was lacking in the first half, but was marshalled well Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Axel Witsel - 6 Offered an aerial presence as well as a calming presence in midfield, important late on AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Yannick Carrasco - 6 Covered plenty of pitch, from his wing back role, to finding himself as a centre forward at times he had a spark of creativity AP World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Dries Mertens - 7 Showed spells of his attacking pedigree but struggled to find the final ball, but many of his teammates had the same problem EPA World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Eden Hazard - 7 Had less impact on the game as in others against weaker opponents, but did have a shot in anger that threatened Kawashima’s goal Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Romelu Lukaku - 7 Despite his height advantage, he couldn’t break through a well-disciplined defence, but did manage to leave the ball perfectly to Chadli for the winning goal AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Japan AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Eiji Kawashima - 6 Made a couple of good saves from long range efforts, and dealt reasonably well with the Belgian pressure from set pieces AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Hiroki Sakai - 6 Lost possession at times but ran himself into the ground for his team EPA World Cup: Belgium vs Japan player ratings Maya Yoshida - 7 One of those to marshal Romelu Lukaku well despite his height disadvantage.