World Cup last 16: Belgium vs. Japan team news, predictions, TV channel, betting odds

Jul 1, 2018

Dries Mertens tells his Belgium teammates to ‘remember the Wales game’

Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez will recall a number of players for the Japan clash

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.

“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 or Mexico in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Team news

Belgium made changes for their final group G game so Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne will all come back into the side. Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen should also be available for selection.

Head coach Roberto Martinez does have some concerns though. Defender Jan Vertonghen, right-back Thomas Meunier and midfielder De Bruyne are all on a yellow card and if they are booked they would miss the quarter-final, should Belgium win against Japan.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Japan are expected to bring Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui, Yuya Osako and Makoto Hasebe back into the side.

Belgium vs. Japan predicted starting XIs

How the teams could line up at the Rostov Arena, according to Fifa.com:

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier; Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku
Japan: Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki; Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako

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.”