Full steam ahead for Belgium
It’s time for the round of 16 where Belgium meet Japan in a match where Belgium have to be considered clear favourites. In a strange set of events at the last gasp of the group stages, Belgium ended up winning Group G after taking all 9 points. At the same time Japan went through in second spot in Group H, after finishing on the same 4 points as Senegal, but because they had fewer yellow cards they went through on fair play regulations.
Belgium
Belgium took all nine points from their group and go through to the round of 16 without still being really tested. They ensured two easy victories against Panama and Tunisia before playing a glorified friendly match against an England B-team. It was a game where both teams seemed to want to lose and rested their big guns.
Japan are a dream draw for the Belgians
Adnan Januzaj’s fine shot took Belgium into the round of 16 in first place to meet Japan, and a possible quarter final against Brazil. Naturally, Japan are a dream draw for the Belgians and they have all their players fit and ready after resting the likes of Lukaku, de Bruyne, Hazard and Mertens in anticipation of the knockout stages.
A Belgium win is without a doubt the most likely outcome of this one.
Japan
Japan made it through to the knockouts by the skin of their teeth, finishing second with four points. They defeated Colombia in the opener after the South Americans saw red earning the Japanese a penalty after only three minutes. They then went on to play out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Senegal before going on to lose to Poland.
Japan have to be considered the weakest team to make it through to the round of 16
They went through on the same points as Senegal but had fewer bookings than the West Africans and Japan have to be considered the weakest team to make it through to the round of 16. They have a decent and skillful set of offensive players that probably won’t have much of a say against Belgium. What’s worse is their defence, not something to write home about. They’ve let in a goal in each of their last 10 matches, soon to be 11.
Match Tips
Against Belgium’s resplendent attacking unit Japan are going to encounter serious problems. I’m pretty certain Belgium will win this match, taking them through to the quarter final. My bet for this one is Belgium -1.5, with Belgium likely to score two or more goals. I’ve found good odds with Bethard for this one at 13/10 (2.30).
