Match Previews

Maximum points and most goals scored after the group stage send them to the knockouts in great mood. On a twenty-two game unbeaten run. No sidelined players, but V. Kompany, T. Vermaelen and R. Lukaku are not 100% fit. A. Januzaj carries a knock.

Belgium made nine changes to their starting XI for the clash vs. England and still the Red Devils controlled the proceedings and created enough chances to deserve their 1:0 win that saw them topping the group with nine points. Belgium also scored the most goals in the group stage – 9.

Martinez’s men are unbeaten since early 2016, with this run stretching now to twenty-two consecutive fixtures. This includes the three group stage wins and the nine wins and a draw in the qualifiers.

The highest scoring international team in the world at the minute with three or more goals scored in 9 of their last 12 matches.

Coach Martinez rested most of his regulars in the last group game, but this only showed him the good depth he can pick from. Still those that started the first two matches of this World Cup are expected to return to the line-up now, with Boyata the only one in danger of being replaced.

Both Kompany and Vermaelen would have started ahead of Boyata if 100% fit and despite still not being in perfect health they are available. One of them could be picked from the off.

Lukaku wasn’t risked vs. England nursing a minor ankle injury, but he is ready to go from the off now.

Januzaj, scored the winner vs. England, carries a bruise into the match and he is deemed questionable.

The only Belgium win over Japan in five meetings came in their last clash back in November when the Red Devils scored the only goal of the match. Three of the other four fixtures were also friendlies, with the only official clash back in the 2002 World Cup ending in a 2:2 draw.