Belgium vs. Japan
- When: Monday 2 July
- Kick-off time: 7pm
- Where: Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don
- TV channel: live on the BBC
Belgium are heavy favourites to progress to the World Cup quarter-finals but forward Dries Mertens has warned his teammates not to underestimate their opponents Japan.
Four years ago in Brazil, Belgium needed extra-time to beat the United States in the round of 16. While at the European Championships two years ago the Red Devils were shocked by Wales, losing the quarter-final 3-1.
Mertens says the Belgian players must use those past disappointments for motivation against Japan in Rostov-On-Don on Monday.
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“Remember the Wales game,” Mertens told Reuters. “Everyone thought we’d go through - we went out. We have that on our minds and it gives us strength.”
The winners of the Belgium vs. Japan clash will face Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Belgium vs. Japan starting XIs
Belgium vs. Japan predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “When Belgium have played their strongest side they have not struggled to create chances but, even then, they have not looked like the cohesive unit they will need to be to go far in this tournament. Roberto Martinez’s side will win this tie, though, because I don’t think Japan will be able to cope with their attacking power. Prediction: Belgium 2 Japan 0.”
The Daily Telegraph: “The golden generation of Belgian football have a golden chance to reach the last eight. And everything indicates that they will. Pace, strength, depth, vision, they have it all. I can’t see Japan having an answer. but Belgium should not have any problems and will look to send a message to the historic ‘big teams’ of the World Cup. Prediction: Belgium 4 Japan 0.”
101GreatGoals: “Roberto Martinez’s side may have wanted to face Colombia in the round of 16 but they will come up against arguably the weaker opposition in Japan. With Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne all expected to return to the starting line-up, the Belgians should easily see themselves through to the quarter-finals. Prediction: Belgium 3 Japan 0.”
Belgium vs. Japan betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 1 July).
- Belgium to win: 2/5
- Draw: 7/2
- Japan to win: 10/1
First goalscorer
- Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): 15/4
- Michy Batshuayi (Belgium): 21/5
- Eden Hazard (Belgium): 9/2
- Dries Mertens (Belgium): 13/2
- Thorgan Hazard (Belgium): 17/2
- Nacer Chadli (Belgium): 11/1
- Adnan Januzaj (Belgium): 11/1
- No goalscorer (Belgium): 11/1
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): 11/1
- Marouane Fellaini (Belgium): 12/1
- Yuya Osako (Japan): 12/1
- Shinji Okazaki (Japan): 12/1
