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3 things we learned from Belgium’s riveting win over Japan

By Daniel Mercieca

ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Gotoku Sakai of Japan consoles teammate Gen Shoji following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Belgium and Japan at Rostov Arena on July 2, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Gotoku Sakai of Japan consoles teammate Gen Shoji following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Belgium and Japan at Rostov Arena on July 2, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA – JULY 02: Nacer Chadli of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with team mates during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Belgium and Japan at Rostov Arena on July 2, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA – JULY 02: Nacer Chadli of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with team mates during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Belgium and Japan at Rostov Arena on July 2, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Belgium recovered from a shock 2-0 deficit to edge Japan and reach the World Cup quarter finals for just the second time since 1986.

Japan went into the encounter as solitary Asian representatives, and their fearlessness and impressive endeavour nearly propelled them to cause yet another surprise at this unpredictable tournament.

Belgium remained composed, though, and a superb comeback reinforced their world-class status.

It was certainly game of ups and downs, and these are the three central things to take from a memorable clash in Rostov-on-Don.

1. Roberto Martinez made perfect substitutions

When Japan soared into a two goal lead – to everyone’s surprise including the Asians themselves – heads turned to Roberto Martinez who had yet to come under real managerial scrutiny in the tournament.

Comprehensive wins over Panama and Tunisia followed by a stubborn display against England stood Belgium in good stead ahead of the knockouts, however initially it went very wrong.

The Spaniard chose to bring Marouane Fellaini – impressive against the Three Lions – and Nacer Chadli off the bench. Ostensibly it looked a questionable choice, especially with attack-minded Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco coming off.

Instead it was pivotal. Fellaini terrorised a Japanese defence that never looked comfortable from set pieces to equalise. His aerial presence was too much to handle and Martinez would have had that in mind.

Chadli, unfit for much of the season and making just two West Brom appearances, was a risk. But it proved a risk which paid off handsomely. Belgium’s last-gasp counter attack was sleek, rapid and Chadli was there to finish it off.

Looking back, it was those subs crucial to the Red Devils’ incredible comeback. Martinez can take the plaudits, and his managerial expertise has preserved Belgium’s place in the competition.

That sort of wisdom will certainly be needed against Brazil, a far more daunting prospect than Japan, and the former Everton boss can take confidence from his decisions.

Belgium, though, need to ensure they don’t rely on late substitutes to get them over the line. It rescued them here, however deeper in the tournament it might not have the same influence.

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