A blockbuster second half saw Japan come out swinging and Belgium snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, winning 3-2 in Rostov-on-Don.
Kevin De Bruyne- 6.5
Hung back in midfield and only began pushing forward after Belgium had conceded two goals.
Axel Witsel- 7.5
Moved forward to sit just outside the box to help Belgium compress the Japanese defence and quickly move the ball across the field.
Yannick Ferreira Carrasco- 7
Strong down the left-hand side, managing to lose his defender and create space. Dropped off in the second half and was subbed with just over 25 minutes left to play.
Dries Mertens - 7
Created opportunities up front with perfectly-weighed through balls, but played in too close to his teammates in the second half and was replaced in the 65th minute.
Eden Hazard- 7.5
A truly impressive first touch, seeming able to make something out of nothing going forward.
Romelu Lukaku- 6.5
Worked well off his midfield to try and create space but couldn’t deliver in front of goal.
Subs
Marouane Fellaini – 8.5
Got to work immediately, winning corners and then using his height to challenge in the air and head home the equaliser.
Nacer Chadli – 8.5
Came on with 25 minutes to go and used his pace to put Japan on the back foot, capitalising on transitional play. Scored the winner at the death.
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