2018 FIFA World Cup – Belgium vs Japan Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Monday 2nd July, 19:00
Where? Rostov Arena
What channel is it on? BBC
Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/football-world-cup-2018-tickets/ca2171?afl=694JWFTART&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-ubpt4g60RCE1cxEY1qD29AUk7XLBVGrSrMV_EvR_BqvkoCzBoUdigRoCvlEQAvD_BwE
THE TEAM NEWS
BELGIUM
- Belgium rested virtually all of their regular starters but still managed to beat England and top their group with a 100% winning record.
- There is no doubt that Martinez will bring back all his key men with the only doubt being whether he sticks with Boyata or brings Kompany in.
- Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard were both carrying knocks, but they will start this game even if Lukaku is still not 100% fit.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):
Courtois
Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen
Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco
Mertens, E. Hazard
R. Lukaku
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
JAPAN
- Japan lost their final group match against Poland but scraped through to the knockouts due to having a better fair play record than Senegal.
- Coach Akira Nishino may revert to something closer to the starting line-up from their opening match as they bolster their midfield.
- Okazaki is their only injury concern so they may bring Osako back into the attack while Kagawa and Inui should both return to the side.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3):
Kawashima
H. Sakai, Makino, Yoshida, Nagatomo
Yamaguchi, Hasebe, Shibasaki
Kagawa, Osako, Inui
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: Okazaki
THE PREDICTION
Belgium are in relentless form and they will be super confident of progressing here. Japan edged their opening game against Colombia thanks to a penalty and red card in the second minute but they have otherwise struggled, so Belgium should win this one comfortably and kill the game early on.
