World Cup: R16: Belgium vs. Japan, 7/2/2018

[Live in the Now]

The result here seems obvious. But what if it's not?

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[Panteras]

I mean I’m rooting for Japan but this will be a huge upset if they can pull this off.

 

[Havre]

Of course it is not obvious. Like South Korea Japan will run and fight for their lives. Never easy to break down a disciplined team like that.

Belgium are favourites, but no way anything close to a given that they will go through.

 

[Dr Pepper]

This would make for quite the story, but I wouldn't bet on it. Loaded Belgium should walk through here.

 

[SenorDingDong]

Belgium has actually had little problems scoring goals this tournament, unlike Germany so I expect that to continue.

 

[Havre]

Belgium got better players than Germany in attack, but 1) hardly possible to say they are better at scoring based on three games (and they didn't create much against England - special game of course) 2) the quality and style of the opposition (Germany played against 3 teams that didn't do much else than defending - not true for Belgium).

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

5-0 Belgium.

 

[Loopy0ne]

Rooting for Belgium to win it all

 

[canuckking1]

Lukaku will get a hattrick then disappear against Brazil.

 

[punk_o_holic]

Here's hoping Belgium takes it easy on Japan and it backfires. Japan wins 2-1 and 1 (if not both) of their goals will be ugly.

Go Samurai Blue! [o]

 

[Suiteness]

Lukaku will get a hattrick then disappear against Brazil.

That's my take as well.

That being said, even when considering the crap-ass opposition they faced, Belgium seems to be the only team in this tournament who are capable of playing quality possession football. Not useless sideways and backwards passing possession like Spain and Germany but legitimate incisive passing that breaks down the lines along with great off the ball movement that stretches defenses apart. I hope they put on a show tomorrow.

 

[HajdukSplit]

I usually like watching Japan and hope for the best for them but I think this will be a very one sided match, wouldn't be surprise if Belgium win by three goals for example

 

[Kyle McMahon]

That's my take as well.

That being said, even when considering the crap-ass opposition they faced, Belgium seems to be the only team in this tournament who are capable of playing quality possession football. Not useless sideways and backwards passing possession like Spain and Germany but legitimate incisive passing that breaks down the lines along with great off the ball movement that stretches defenses apart. I hope they put on a show tomorrow.

Agree with this assessment. Belgium are not going to pull a Spain here and pass the ball around for two hours just assuming an opening will present itself. They'll go get a goal or two. Unless the Japanese defenders and keeper have the game of their lives, I don't think they withstand the onslaught. I'll predict Belgium scores 3+ and wins with ease. This is the one upset I really can't conceive of.

 

[Blender]

Agree with this assessment. Belgium are not going to pull a Spain here and pass the ball around for two hours just assuming an opening will present itself. They'll go get a goal or two. Unless the Japanese defenders and keeper have the game of their lives, I don't think they withstand the onslaught. I'll predict Belgium scores 3+ and wins with ease. This is the one upset I really can't conceive of.

Definitely. A lot of the top guys on Belgium are pretty comfortable playing a more direct style of football. So unless they choke tomorrow, which Belgium has done before of course, they should take this one hands down.

 

[MaxV]

I usually root for underdogs and I like Japan NT, but this Belgium team is so fun to watch.

 

[kovacro]

Would not be surprised to see Japan give the Belgians a real good go but tough not to think the Red Devils advance.

 

[N o o d l e s]

Belgium losing to Japan would be far more shocking than what happened today in Spain/Russia. If Belgium doesn't win by 2-3 goals I'll be shocked.

 

[Eisen]

I like them both but I cheer for Japan. Underdog power!

 

[Asiantuntija]

5-0 Belgium.

Probably. Belgium has way better material and they should be able to burn Japan defense constantly.

 

[Savi]

If Belgium doesn't win by 2-3 goals I'll be shocked.

5-0 Belgium.

wouldn't be surprise if Belgium win by three goals for example

Yeah that's what everyone said about Spain

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Yeah that's what everyone said about Spain

Russia has underdog power; Japan doesn't.

 

[Asiantuntija]

Yeah that's what everyone said about Spain

Skill difference is way bigger.

 

[Savi]

I don't agree. Japan is way more skilled than Russia imo. We played them a couple of months ago and even though it was only a friendly, it was a close game. Japs definitely have the ability to hurt our defence.

 

[lud]

If Japan somehow pull surprise,it would be much bigger upset than Spain/Russia
So,Belgium wins easily

 

[Corto]

I don't see Belgium failing here.

Also, I wanna see Brazil v Belgium next round.