Belgium shows championship mentality to sink Japan
RUSSIA – Brazil sails past Mexico into quarter-finals.
Five-time champions Brazil continued their almost inevitable progression and development as the Selecao condemned El Tri (Mexico) to their seventh consecutive round of 16 elimination.
That record dates back to Mexico’s 1994 elimination at the hands of Bulgaria in a penalty shootout almost 24 years to the day.
Brazil was in supreme control of the game, weighing up their Central American opponents in the first half before upping the ante in the second to secure a 2–0 win. Neymar had a hand in both goals, first tapping in at the back post after a strong run and cross into the box by Willian. Neymar would then turn provider setting up Firmino, via a deflection off Mexico’s goalkeeper, for an even easier finish.
Brazil’s opponents in the quarterfinals will be Belgium. In an absorbing encounter, Belgium showed why the football world has been falling at their feet to declare them possible suitors to the crown of ‘ the world’s greatest’. They edged a spirited and disciplined Japan team 3–2.
Japan had their European opponents in unexpected territory taking a 2–0 lead early in the second half. Genki Haraguchi’s precise finish in the 48th minute followed by Takashi Inui’s perfectly hit strike in the 52nd minute placed Japan’s hopes firmly within grasp of a fairy tale ending.
Cracks in Japan’s resistance started to show through as Jan Vertongen’s misplaced headed cross snuck into the Japanese goal in the 69th minute to begin the comeback. Marouane Fellaini outmuscled Japan’s defence five minutes later to make it 2–2 and then with less than 10 seconds left, the unthinkable happened. After a poorly managed corner kick by Japan, Belgium ran the length of the field executing a flawless counter-attack ending with the simplest of finishes from Nacer Chadli. The fairy tale had turned nightmare for Japan.
There are two more matches to go in the round of 16 with a determined Sweden facing an equally resolute Switzerland. Last but not least sees Her Majesty’s Three Lions aiming to neutralise the unpredictable threat of Colombia.
