Marouane Fellaini, you cruel bastard!
It didn’t take long for Marouane Fellaini to make an impact on the 2018 Fifa World Cup round of 16 game between Belgium and Japan.
Fellaini didn’t start the game… which is probably why Belgium started off so poorly. After a goalless first half, the European side found themselves 1-0 early into the second. Genki Haraguchi got the breakthrough goal, firing a fine effort past Thibaut Courtois in the 47th minute.
Belgium 0-1 Japan. It's a stunning start to the second-half as Japan take the lead with a wonderfully taken goal by Genki Haraguchi #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #JPN pic.twitter.com/HbDYglXg4s
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
Belgium very nearly equalised straight away. However, Eden Hazard could only grimace as he saw his thunderous effort ricochet back off the Japanese upright.
Then Japan went 2-0 up through. Takashi Inui got the game’s second.
Belgium 0-2 Japan. A stunning strike from Takashi Inui sees Japan double their lead and Belgium are in real trouble. #nospin #WorldCup #RTEsoccer #BEL #JPN pic.twitter.com/zpxqloLOiP
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
The comeback began just a few minutes later.
Jan Vertonghen brought it back to 2-1 with a looping header. The keeper didn’t cover himself in glory failing to keep this one out.
Belgium 1-2 Japan – There's still hope for Belgium thanks to a wonderful looping header by Jan Vertonghen. Game on! #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #JPN pic.twitter.com/GvBpXUMypQ
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
It wasn’t before it was level again.
The one and only Marouane Fellaini came on in the second half as a substitute. He made pretty much an immediate impact as he drilled a header into the back of the net.
Belgium 2-2 Japan – Substitute Marouane Fellaini draws Belgium level with another header as Belgium finally start playing like they're in a World Cup game. #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #JPN pic.twitter.com/vfCoNnw8yx
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
Poor Akira Nishino couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed.
You can literally pinpoint the moment the Japan manager’s heart breaks in two.
Gif via RTE
Things went from bad to worse for Japan.
Nacer Chadli capitalised on a poor Japan corner in injury time to sink Japanese hearts.
Belgium 3-2 Japan. What a goal! What a horrible way to go out of the World Cup! Nacer Chadli sends Belgium through to the quarter-finals with a last-gasp goal #rtesoccer #worldcup #BEL #JPN pic.twitter.com/ggWONgcic5
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 2, 2018
Belgium are going through to face Brazil in the quarter-finals. After being two goals up, Japan’s tournament is over.
What a World Cup this has been so far!
