Pressurizing in Knockouts is a one factor, managing it peacefully is purely a different task. One of the reasons the World Cup is the best football show on earth is the contrast between the styles of the teams facing each other, with Belgium vs Japan certainly demonstrating this perfectly. Belgium scored highest 9 points in Group and also defeat England by 1-0. A good update from Belgian side – the players are all fit to enter the field. While Japan win one match, one-draw and one-lose and end at 2nd position in Group. One of the smallest (Japan) team in the tournament will face one of the tallest (Belgium). But, size is not always the important factor.

Japan advanced to the knockout phase twice, at Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010. On both occasions they were knocked out after the Round of 16 match. The both team previous meet in Bruges where Red Devils knock them out by 1-0 which comes from Lukaku. Japan might follow 4-2-3-1 system which coach Akira Nishino deployed in the win over Colombia.

Following the result of midnight’s match which is decided by the dramatic penalty shootout. Croatia advanced to the Quarter-finals at the expense of Denmark. The score records 3-2. However, a penalty in 116 min was awarded to Modric and he missed it which could offer victory to Croatia then and there.

Belgium vs Japan: Round of 16 FIFA World Cup 2018, Lineups and Live TV info

Match No 54: Belgium vs Japan, 2nd July, 23:30

Venue: Rostov Arena

Belgium (Possible starting XI): Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thomas Meunier; Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku

Japan (Possible starting XI): Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki; Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako

What they say:

“Most of the players are at the peak of their career. We have so much experience and it can make the difference in important moments like the last 16 of a World Cup.”-Eden Hazard, Belgian midfielder.

Broadcasting: For TV: Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD (in English), Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD                                                            (in Hndi). Live streaming for the web at Sonyliv.com

Predictions:

Seeing the Belgium side, we observe a stronger side and a nice equation Belgium = goals. This means in Russia played theit 3 matches and scored highest 9 goals. However, the stats are 71% in Belgium side, 19% drawin the match and 10% Japan has receive. The 10% which Samurai Blue receive, they had to convert it for their win. We predict Japan wins.