ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AFP) – Belgium produced one of the great World Cup comebacks on Monday to beat Japan, 3-2, and set up an attractive-looking quarterfinal clash against Neymar’s Brazil.
Substitute Nacer Chadli was Belgium’s hero on a humid night in Rostov-on-Don, scoring in the fourth minute of injury time to seal the dramatic victory.
Japan had stunned Roberto Martinez’s third-ranked side by racing into a two-goal lead in the second half through Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui.
With Belgium looking to be heading home, Jan Vertonghen – the defender whose error had led to Japan’s opener – made amends with a goal to put Belgium back in the game before Marouane Fellaini’s powerful header brought them to 2-2.
It was goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who started the slick move that decided the match, rolling the ball out to Kevin De Bruyne, who raced upfield before feeding Thomas Meunier.
The defender’s cross was intelligently dummied by Romelu Lukaku, allowing West Bromwich Albion’s Chadli to slot past Japan ‘keeper Eiji Kawashima.
The Japan players slumped to the turf and coach Akira Nishino said they were too stunned to talk about the match immediately afterwards.
Belgium coach Martinez expressed his pride in the players.
“In the World Cup you want to be perfect but it’s about getting through, it’s about winning,” Martinez said.
“It was a test of character and you see the reaction of our subs coming on to win the game. It tells you everything about this group of players.’’
DAZZLING BEST
Brazil stayed on course for a sixth title as Neymar scored and created a goal for substitute Roberto Firmino to snuff out Mexico’s challenge.
Neymar was criticized for his early performances in Russia as he eased his way back to fitness after a broken foot bone, but he carved open a tough Mexican defense without quite reaching his dazzling best.
After a goalless first half in the heat of Samara, the world’s most expensive player tapped in from the impressive Willian’s cross for his second goal of the tournament on 51 minutes.
As Brazil pressed their advantage, Neymar set up Firmino for another close-range finish that sealed the 2-0 victory.
In between, he writhed in agony on the turf after a Mexican opponent appeared to stand on his ankle, but the referee ruled there had been no foul and Neymar was soon on his feet and sprinting.
