Belgium (National Football)

N/A

Tag Type
Team
Slug
belgium-national-football
Short Name
Belgium
Abbreviation
BEL
Sport ID / Foreign ID
sr:competitor:4717
Visible in Content Tool
On
Visible in Programming Tool
On
Root
World Football
Featured
Off
Auto create Channel for this Tag
On
Parents
International Football
Primary Parent
International Football
Primary Color
#af0918
Secondary Color
#f8d842
Channel State
Standard
Eyebrow Text
Men's National Football

Roberto Martinez Says Kevin De Bruyne Is 'In the Best Moment of His Career'

Sep 10, 2019
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne leaves behind arriving Belgium coach Roberto Martinez during Belgium's official press conference on the eve of the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, July 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne leaves behind arriving Belgium coach Roberto Martinez during Belgium's official press conference on the eve of the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, July 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has said Kevin De Bruyne is playing the best football of his career after his masterclass against Scotland. 

De Bruyne was on fire for the national side on Monday, scoring one goal and setting up three in a 4-0 win over the Scots. The victory for Belgium sees them extend their perfect record in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying, winning all six of their games in Group I.

The Manchester City star's performance was a continuation of his tremendous start to the season, and Martinez praised his charge, per Sky Sports (h/t Josh Thomas of Goal):

"He's been very, very good for a long time now. I think he's in the best moment of his career. 

"This campaign has started with a freshness and real driven feeling of playing at his best, and when he does that he's as good as it gets. There's no other midfield player that can create space, a playmaker that can execute the passes that he does. It's a joy to see him fitting into the group."

After assisting Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld in the first half, De Bruyne expertly tucked away Belgium's fourth goal in the second period:

https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1171158921874214918

Sky Sports Statto provided the numbers behind an incredible display from the 28-year-old:

Per OptaJose, he is the first player to register three assists in the same game in Euro 2020 qualifying:

De Bruyne was also asked if he feels as though there are any players performing to a higher standard in the world at the moment than him.

"Fortunately, I don't have to judge that," said the City midfielder. "I just have to play well. I'm just content. I'm feeling good."

De Bruyne will be delighted to be playing regular football again since his 2018-19 season was regularly disrupted by injury issues. In the campaign before, he was arguably the standout player in the Premier League, and he helped City waltz to the title with a record 100-point haul.

City were still able to finish top last season and notched 98 points. With that in mind, the prospect of an in-form De Bruyne being back in the side is ominous for the rest of the Premier League.

Football writer Stefan Bienkowski also expects De Bruyne to play a big role for Belgium in next summer's European Championships:

City manager Pep Guardiola will be pleased to see his star midfielder come through the international break unscathed. De Bruyne's confidence should also be sky-high on Saturday, when the champions travel to newly-promoted Norwich City in the evening kick-off.

De Bruyne will need to show consistency of form and fitness to match his stunning exploits from the 2017-18 campaign. Having shone for club and country early in the current term, the indications are that the Belgian will be a force of nature to contend with over the coming months.

Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium Crush Scotland in Euro 2020 Qualifying

Sep 9, 2019
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, second left, kicks the ball as he is chased by Scotland's Robert Snodgrass during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Belgium at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, second left, kicks the ball as he is chased by Scotland's Robert Snodgrass during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Belgium at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Scotland slipped to a damaging defeat in the qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2020 after a 4-0 result to Belgium on Monday. 

Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne provided three assists, creating goals for Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld, before scoring himself late on at Glasgow's Hampden Park.  

The Scots trail second-place Russia in Group I and are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification for next summer's tournament. By contrast, the Red Devils already look like a lock to qualify after winning for the sixth time in as many matches.

De Bruyne's first assist came in the ninth minute when he played a low cross into the path of Lukaku. The Inter striker made no mistake from close range to cap a swift break.

The midfielder proved pivotal 15 minutes later, teasing a free-kick into the path of Vermaelen. The former Arsenal and Barcelona centre-back has always had a knack for scoring, and he converted well on the turn in the box.

The 28-year-old De Bruyne continued his creative masterclass eight minutes later with a well-placed corner that Tottenham defender Alderweireld headed in. There was no doubt De Bruyne had carried over his exceptional form from club level:

There was no shortage of space for De Bruyne and Leicester City schemer Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park. Napoli forward Dries Mertens, who combined brilliantly with De Bruyne in the buildup to the opening goal, was also causing havoc with his well-timed runs from outside to inside.

Scotland weren't getting close enough to Belgium's primary flair players:

It also didn't help the hosts lacked enough ingenuity of their own to take the game to the Red Devils. Manager Steve Clarke was missing some key players in the final third, notably Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, but replacements like West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass weren't doing enough to impose themselves in possession.

Owning such a healthy lead, Belgium understandably became a little sluggish with their passing after the break. De Bruyne's desire to turn almost every pass into an assist resulted in a few turnovers in possession, but the Scots rarely showed enough daring or ingenuity to take advantage.

One slick combination between De Bruyne and the enterprising Mertens should have resulted in a goal for the former. De Bruyne eventually got the goal his performance merited when he profited from a selfless pass from Lukaku.

Scotland lacked the fight shown during Friday's 2-1 home defeat to Russia. It's a worrying sign for Clarke, whose squad is devoid of the quality needed to credibly compete at this level.

As for Belgium, manager Roberto Martinez knows he has in De Bruyne the radar and skill to make his progressive tactics work on a bigger stage.

What's Next?

Scotland face second-place Russia in Moscow on October 10, while Belgium host San Marino on the same day.

Romelu Lukaku 'Doesn't Get Affected' by Racist Taunts, Says Roberto Martinez

Sep 8, 2019
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured during a training session of Belgian national team the Red Devils at the Stadio Olimpico of San Marino, in Serravalle, San Marino, Thursday 05 September 2019. The team is preparing for two Euro 2020 qualifiers, against San Marino on Friday and Scotland next Tuesday. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Photo credit should read VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured during a training session of Belgian national team the Red Devils at the Stadio Olimpico of San Marino, in Serravalle, San Marino, Thursday 05 September 2019. The team is preparing for two Euro 2020 qualifiers, against San Marino on Friday and Scotland next Tuesday. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Photo credit should read VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has said striker Romelu Lukaku "doesn't get affected" by the attention he's received after he was the victim of racist abuse with Inter Milan.

Lukaku, 26, left Manchester United this summer and is off to a fine start in Milan. He recently scored a 2-1 winner at Cagliari and was the subject of monkey chants from the home fans, per The Guardian's Nicky Bandini.

The Inter star joined up with Belgium for the international break and was an unused substitute during Friday's 4-0 win over San Marino.

Belgium face Scotland in their next UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, and Martinez told reporters Lukaku is used to lots of attention and expectation:

"I think Romelu is one of the modern footballers that he was born with the attention with the media following him at the age of 16 in Belgium.

"He had a media crew following around. They followed the expectation of a team having to win at Anderlecht with the Champions League participation. Then he had a big transfer to Chelsea, then he had time at West Brom before a big transfer fee to Everton. He then had another big transfer fee to Manchester United and now to Inter.

"Romelu doesn't get affected. He is one of the most driven boys that you are going to see. His life is football. He lives to score goals and be effective for the national team and his club."

The tactician admitted his player was "sad with the episode he had to go through" but felt assured the general football community wouldn't tolerate the racist abuse he endured at Cagliari.

Lukaku's plight was exacerbated after Inter's ultras—the club's extreme fans—issued a statement attempting to explain why the monkey chants targeting their own player weren't racist, per ESPN UK:

The former Chelsea and United frontman has scored twice in two appearances for the Nerazzurri thus far and has displayed great form since moving to the San Siro.

Sardinian club Cagliari issued an apology to Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi in January 2018 after he too was subject to racist abuse at their ground.

The Frenchman empathises with Lukaku's experience, per Goal:

Martinez is correct that Lukaku took the spotlight early on in his Belgian career, having finished developing in Anderlecht's academy and gaining a huge amount of attention for his age.

The manager's comments look to be accurate, too, based on one of the player's most recent tweets:

https://twitter.com/RomeluLukaku9/status/1170648548616155136

Lukaku has endured scrutiny at each of his old clubs, although playing in Italy could make this the first time he's been the target of racist abuse of this level—if at all.

Romelu Lukaku Double Puts Belgium Past Scotland in 2020 Euro Qualifier

Jun 11, 2019
Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Belgium and Scotland at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 11, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Belgium and Scotland at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 11, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Belgium maintained their perfect record in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying as they beat Scotland 3-0 in Group I on Tuesday at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. 

Two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a brilliant late strike from Kevin De Bruyne secured the fourth win from four matches in the campaign for the world's No. 1-ranked side. The Red Devils maintained their spot at the top of the pool.

Scotland, meanwhile, remain in fourth behind Kazakhstan and Russia, and they will rue some missed chances after a decent performance. 

Scotland were the first side to threaten the goal on Tuesday when Oliver Burke dragged an effort just wide in the ninth minute.

Had it been more accurate, it could well have changed the course of the night.

As it was, Belgium slowly built into the game and started to dominate, with De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard all fashioning efforts in the first half.

BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - JUNE 11: David Marshall of Scotland during the EURO Qualifier match between Belgium v Scotland at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium on June 11, 2019 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Soccrates/Getty Images)
BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - JUNE 11: David Marshall of Scotland during the EURO Qualifier match between Belgium v Scotland at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium on June 11, 2019 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Soccrates/Getty Images)

Scotland were indebted to goalkeeper David Marshall for some fine saves and looked to be heading for half-time with honours even.

However, Lukaku, who had not been at his best, popped up in first-half stoppage time to head home Hazard's cross from six yards.

It was a killer blow for the Scots, who only continued to sit deep and defend when they came out for the second half.

Belgium continued to besiege the opposition goal, and De Bruyne forced another save from Marshall before Lukaku got his second just before the hour.

Marshall could only push another effort from De Bruyne back into the box, and the Manchester United forward was on hand to poke home yet another goal for the Red Devils:

That effectively sealed the victory for the hosts.

Scotland finally forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois 11 minutes from time when Ryan Fraser curled a shot on target from 16 yards.

Fraser, Scott McKenna and James Forrest then made a hash of a great break, failing to show anything like the level of clinical finishing needed to challenge a side of Belgium's quality.

And De Bruyne eventually added sheen to the result with a brilliant side-footed finish into the corner from 20 yards in stoppage time. 

            

What's Next?

Belgium and Scotland are both back in Euro 2020 qualifying action on September 6 when they face San Marino and Russia, respectively. 

Romelu Lukaku Scores, Belgium Cruise Past Kazakhstan in Euro 2020 Qualifier

Jun 8, 2019
Belgium's Dries Mertens (L) celebrates with Belgium's midfielder Axel Witsel after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 8, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium's Dries Mertens (L) celebrates with Belgium's midfielder Axel Witsel after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Belgium and Kazakhstan at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 8, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Belgium continued their perfect start to Euro 2020 qualifying on Saturday, beating Kazakhstan 3-0 to make it three wins out of three tries. Dries Mertens, Timothy Castagne and Romelu Lukaku got the goals.

The hosts were up by two goals inside of 15 minutes, as Mertens and Castagne punished some poor defending. Lukaku got his goal early in the second half.

The Red Devils are the clear favourites in Group I, which also includes Russia, Scotland, San Marino and Cyprus.

Before kick-off, new Real Madrid star Eden Hazard celebrated a special milestone, as he got his 100th cap:

The Red Devils were determined to honour the occasion and came out firing, with Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne testing goalkeeper Dmytro Nepogodov early. The Group I favourites ran all over the visitors, and the opening goal arrived after just 11 minutes.

Hazard found Mertens in a dangerous position inside the box, and his effort took a slight deflection before beating the goalkeeper.

The Napoli man has been in superb form of late:

He turned provider just three minutes later, picking out Castagne with a great cross to hand the Atalanta man his first international goal.

With two goals under their belt, the Belgians decided to take their foot off the gas. Lukaku had two great looks on goal to add to the tally, but goalkeeper Nepogodov stood his ground. De Bruyne also went close, but his angled shot just missed the target.

The half-time break allowed the Red Devils to recharge their batteries, however, and just five minutes into the second half, they struck again.

This time it was Lukaku, who added to his impressive collection for the national team:

Nepogodov produced an outstanding save to deny Thorgan Hazard, and Lukaku went for personal glory, rather than hand Castagne what would have been a certain goal. It didn't matter much, however, as the host cruised to the finish line, and the home fans created a festive atmosphere.

Hazard almost crowned his 100th cap with a goal of his own, but Nepogodov would not yield for a fourth time.

   

What's Next?

Belgium will host Scotland on Tuesday, while Kazakhstan host San Marino.

Belgium FA Responds to Thierry Henry's Aston Villa Rumours

Oct 8, 2018
Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry kicks a ball as the team warms up ahead of the third place match between England and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry kicks a ball as the team warms up ahead of the third place match between England and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The Belgian football association has said Aston Villa have yet to contact them about Thierry Henry but they won't stop the former Arsenal man from joining the club as their next manager if that's what he desires.

HLN's Kristof Terreur checked in with the Belgian FA amid rising speculation:

MailOnline's Dominic King has reported the former France international could team up with Chelsea legend John Terry in Birmingham:

The two have reportedly both interviewed for the position, but Henry has the edge in experience after working with the Belgian national team for several years.

Terry played for Villa last season after spending nearly two decades as a professional with Chelsea. He announced his retirement on Sunday and received plenty of praise for a great career:  

https://twitter.com/pvanaanholt/status/1049029952958550016

The Villans sacked Steve Bruce after the 3-3 draw against Preston North End in the Championship, a result that left the side miles behind in the battle for Premier League promotion. According to King, Henry and Terry have been told promotion is the top priority and should be accomplished "sooner rather than later."

With the international break upon us, now would be the ideal time to announce the new manager, giving them almost two weeks before the clash with Swansea City on October 20.

Henry would be a high-risk, high-reward appointment. The 41-year-old has never actually managed a team, with all of his coaching experience coming as an assistant to Roberto Martinez.

He has been hailed for his work with the Red Devils, where his high stature as a player has been a major factor. The likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne weren't easily impressed by previous managers like Georges Leekens and Marc Wilmots, but they appeared to quickly build chemistry with the Frenchman.

Martin Keown believes he has what it takes to be the No. 1 at a club:

The step from assistant manager to manager is a big one, but Henry will have to take it at some point.

Aston Villa are among England's most storied clubs and have a talented squad capable of earning promotion to the Premier League with the right person steering the ship. It's an excellent situation to make your club coaching debut, providing the Villans show patience to deal with the expected growing pains.

Belgium Join France on Top Spot of Latest FIFA World Rankings, Germany Climb

Sep 20, 2018
France's Samuel Umtiti, (5) heads the ball to score the opening goal of the game during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in, St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
France's Samuel Umtiti, (5) heads the ball to score the opening goal of the game during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in, St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

FIFA released its latest world rankings on Thursday, with Belgium and France becoming the first-ever joint-leaders on 1,729 points each. 

There were few changes in the top 10, with Denmark dropping one spot, while Germany climbed three spots into 12th place. Mexico are in at 15, Italy re-entered the top 20 in favour of Peru and the USA remain in 22nd place.

For the full rankings, click here. 

Here is a look at the top 10, showing Brazil in third place, ahead of World Cup runners-up Croatia:

World Cup semi-finalists England come in at six, behind Uruguay, while European champions Portugal are seventh. Spain sit just a single point behind Switzerland, Argentina are close to the top 10 in 11th place and the Netherlands are down in 17th.

The UEFA Nations League gave teams from that conference the chance to gain some ground, and Belgium took full advantage with a 3-0 win over Iceland. They also crushed Scotland 4-0 in a friendly, which was good enough to move into a tie with France.

The two sides met in the World Cup semi-finals, where eventual champions France took a narrow 1-0 win:

Les Bleus drew with Germany in their first match since the World Cup, but a 2-1 win over the Netherlands ensured they wouldn't drop below the Red Devils.

The top 10 teams remain unchanged, with most of them taking care of business during the international break. Croatia lost a hefty chunk of points―courtesy of a 6-0 demolition at the hands of Spain―but remain two points ahead of Uruguay.

Portugal closed the gap to England a bit as the Three Lions also lost to Spain, although they did bounce back with a win over Switzerland. With fixtures against Croatia and Spain on the horizon, the English side could suffer a slide in the rankings later this year.

Mexico and the USA met in a friendly in Nashville, Tennessee, and while the Stars and Stripes won, it wasn't enough to move the team into the top 20. The gap to Italy is just 16 points, however, and the Azzurri will face the side later this year.

Ghana and Slovenia made the biggest drop with six places each, and Ukraine went up by six spots. No team gained more points than Kenya, who added 22.

Romelu Lukaku Considering Retirement from Belgium After Euro 2020

Aug 16, 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium controls the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium controls the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed he is planning to retire from international football after UEFA Euro 2020 despite the fact he will only be 27.

In an interview with Scott Davis of Business Insider, when the Manchester United star was asked about whether he will be at the next FIFA World Cup, having played in the previous two, he replied: "After the Euros, I think I'll stop."

Lukaku netted four times in six starts as Belgium came third at Russia 2018 earlier this summer.

The Red Devils produced some of the best attacking football at the tournament but could not get past eventual winners France in the semi-finals.

The striker told Davis that reaching the last four is the least Belgium should expect at every tournament now.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on August 10, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on August 10, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old also said he does not believe he has reached his prime and added that he does not give much advice to younger players because he fears they could take his spot.

Given that attitude, it seems odd that Lukaku only plans to grace the international stage for two more years.

At 29, he could well be at his peak come the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and featuring in the 2026 World Cup would not be too much of a stretch for the former Everton man, assuming he stays fit.

It could well be Lukaku's ambition to prolong his club career that has led him to consider early retirement from the international stage.

He has already passed the 100-goal mark in the Premier League and will be hoping for another prolific season with United in 2018-19.

Lukaku came off the bench as United made a winning start to the new campaign against Leicester City on Friday.

He is in line to start when Jose Mourinho's side take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

How to Get the Best out of Belgium on FIFA 18 World Cup Patch

Jul 5, 2018
BR Video

Belgium are a tricky side to master on FIFA 18, but once you've tried these tips you'll find yourself firing with the Red Devils.

World Cup Results 2018: Scores, Updated Round of 16 Bracket After Monday

Jul 2, 2018
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 Kevin C. Cox/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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Brazil and Belgium booked their places in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup on Monday.

The Selecao put in a professional performance as they beat Mexico 2-0, while Belgium came from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2.

Here's the updated bracket.

The first half between Brazil and Mexico was goalless, but it nevertheless proved to be an intriguing opening to the match as both sides looked to impose themselves on the game.

El Tri attacked the Selecao with pace and directness, but struggled when it came to applying the final ball or finish.

Brazil punished them for failing to take their chances early in the second half, when Neymar kicked off and rounded out a lovely team move:

The Paris Saint-Germain forward once again became the centre of controversy later in the game. Miguel Layun cynically stood on his foot with the pair both off the pitch, but after Neymar's extreme reaction to the foul he escaped any sanction.

BBC Sport's Gary Lineker was unimpressed with the Brazilian:

The star man also played a key role in the Selecao's second, as Guillermo Ochoa saved his toe-poked effort only to divert it into the path of Roberto Firmino, who made no mistake from close range.

As in the first game, Belgium and Japan went in goalless at half-time, but as the Samarai Blue pressed high, moved the ball well and defended strongly, the Red Devils struggled, per Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1013857066895790080

Three minutes after the break, Japan took the lead when a missed interception from Jan Vertonghen allowed the ball to run through to Genki Haraguchi, who angled a fine finish into the bottom corner.

Eden Hazard rattled the woodwork moments later as Belgium sought an equaliser, but just four minutes later Takashi Inui doubled Japan's lead in style:

Vertonghen atoned for his earlier error with a looping header to bring his side back into the contest.

Red Devils manager Roberto Martinez then elected to bring on Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli, and the pair justified his faith in them as they each got on the scoresheet to complete the comeback.

Fellaini pulled them level when he rose to nod home Hazard's cross and in the 94th minute, Chadli finished off a rapid counter-attack following a late corner from Japan.

Belgium will play Brazil in the quarter-finals on Friday at 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET).

Subscribe to Belgium (National Football)