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..::Football IV::..
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Ramos: Spain bow out of World Cup with heads held high
Sergio Ramos insists Spain leave with their "heads held high" after being dumped out of the World Cup by hosts Russia on Sunday.Igor Akinfeev was Russia's hero after saving penalties from Koke and Iago Aspas as 2010 champions Spain, who dominated possession without creating clear chances, were defeated 4-3 on penalties after the game had finished 1-1.
Sergei Ignashevich became the oldest scorer of an own goal in World Cup history when the 38-year-old gave Spain an early lead at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Hosts Russia drew level in the 41st minute, Artem Dzyuba smashing home a penalty after his header was blocked by Gerard Pique's arm in the box.
Their spot-kick exit caps a tumultuous campaign for Spain, with head coach Julen Lopetegui having been dramatically sacked on the eve of the tournament and replaced with Fernando Hierro.But Ramos was in mood to admonish his team-mates after their emotional elimination.
"We leave with our heads held high," he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo."They played to get to penalties from the start. It was the only way to do us damage.
"We hope this isn't the last World Cup for this generation. It's very tough to go out like this, with these players.
"I'm proud of them as captain because we put our souls into trying to win out there. We did everything possible."
Sergio Ramos insists Spain leave with their "heads held high" after being dumped out of the World Cup by hosts Russia on Sunday.Igor Akinfeev was Russia's hero after saving penalties from Koke and Iago Aspas as 2010 champions Spain, who dominated possession without creating clear chances, were defeated 4-3 on penalties after the game had finished 1-1.
Sergei Ignashevich became the oldest scorer of an own goal in World Cup history when the 38-year-old gave Spain an early lead at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Hosts Russia drew level in the 41st minute, Artem Dzyuba smashing home a penalty after his header was blocked by Gerard Pique's arm in the box.
Their spot-kick exit caps a tumultuous campaign for Spain, with head coach Julen Lopetegui having been dramatically sacked on the eve of the tournament and replaced with Fernando Hierro.But Ramos was in mood to admonish his team-mates after their emotional elimination.
"We leave with our heads held high," he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo."They played to get to penalties from the start. It was the only way to do us damage.
"We hope this isn't the last World Cup for this generation. It's very tough to go out like this, with these players.
"I'm proud of them as captain because we put our souls into trying to win out there. We did everything possible."
FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 Fixtures 2018.07.02
FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 Fixtures 2018.07.02
-------------------------------
Brazil Vs Mexico
Belgium V Japan
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-------------------------------
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Brazil 2 Mexico 0: Neymar and Firmino book Selecao's quarter-final spot
Neymar's strike and a late second from Roberto Firmino saw a strangely low-key Brazil edge past Mexico 2-0 to book a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Tite's men are yet to hit full stride at Russia 2018, and on this evidence they still have more to come, but Neymar's 51st-minute goal and Firmino's tap-in after coming off the bench meant the tournament favourites progressed with relative comfort in the end, and avoided the early exit that has already befallen the likes of Spain, Germany and Argentina.
Mexico were the dominant force in the opening 20 minutes in Samara, but they were unable to make their superiority count and eventually allowed their muted opponents to scrap their way into the game.
After Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had been called into action to deny Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho, Neymar finally made the breakthrough at the back post - netting his second goal of the tournament shortly after half-time, when Willian's scuffed cross found its way through to him.
The margin became more comfortable with two minutes left when Firmino - just on as a replacement for Coutinho - added the finishing touch after Neymar had led a counter-attack.
The only blemish for the five-time champions was the second-half booking for Casemiro, which rules him out of the quarter-final clash against either Belgium or Japan.Mexico, meanwhile, will look back fondly on their opening 1-0 win over Germany, but are now left to rue a seventh consecutive exit at the last-16 stage.
In a lively start, both sides exchanged chances inside the opening five minutes.Hirving Lozano's half-volley was well blocked by Miranda, while at the other end, Ochoa was equal to Neymar's powerful drive from just outside the penalty area.
Lozano was to prove a constant menace down Mexico's right, with only a Filipe Luis block preventing him from providing the final flourish to a flowing counter-attack.
Neymar cut an isolated figure during Brazil's disjointed start, but he exploded into life after 25 minutes, racing past Edson Alvarez in the area and forcing Ochoa into a smart save with his left hand.
Buoyed by that sorely-needed injection of dynamism, Tite's men then carved out two quick-fire chances. First, Jesus scuffed his close-range volley wide, and then Coutinho flashed an effort well over from 20 yards out.Jesus went close again in the 33rd minute, finding space in a crowded area and drilling in a left-footed strike that Ochoa palmed away.
Brazil picked up where they had left off after the restart, Coutinho testing Ochoa with a fierce drive after cutting in from the left.And their positive approach was rewarded in the 51st minute as Neymar and Willian combined to devastating effect.
Neymar's back-heel on the edge of the area teed up the Chelsea man for a burst into the box and his scuffed cross was slid into an empty net by the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who had ghosted in unmarked at the back post.
Paulinho should have doubled that advantage in the 59th minute, but Ochoa was once again equal to his whipped strike from 12 yards, while the over-worked goalkeeper also tipped over Willian's powerful effort four minutes later.
Substitute Miguel Layun was fortunate to escape punishment when he appeared to stand on Neymar's leg 20 minutes from time as the two clashed on the touchline, although the Brazil man's histrionics did not help his cause in convincing referee Gianluca Rocchi to brandish a card.As Mexico threw bodies forward in search of a late leveller, Brazil took full advantage of the gaps in their backline to score a second with two minutes remaining.
Neymar powered through and his low effort was diverted by Ochoa's foot into the path of Firmino, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.After their slow start it was ultimately no more than the Selecao deserved, as their bid for a sixth world title marches on.
Neymar's strike and a late second from Roberto Firmino saw a strangely low-key Brazil edge past Mexico 2-0 to book a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Tite's men are yet to hit full stride at Russia 2018, and on this evidence they still have more to come, but Neymar's 51st-minute goal and Firmino's tap-in after coming off the bench meant the tournament favourites progressed with relative comfort in the end, and avoided the early exit that has already befallen the likes of Spain, Germany and Argentina.
Mexico were the dominant force in the opening 20 minutes in Samara, but they were unable to make their superiority count and eventually allowed their muted opponents to scrap their way into the game.
After Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had been called into action to deny Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho, Neymar finally made the breakthrough at the back post - netting his second goal of the tournament shortly after half-time, when Willian's scuffed cross found its way through to him.
The margin became more comfortable with two minutes left when Firmino - just on as a replacement for Coutinho - added the finishing touch after Neymar had led a counter-attack.
The only blemish for the five-time champions was the second-half booking for Casemiro, which rules him out of the quarter-final clash against either Belgium or Japan.Mexico, meanwhile, will look back fondly on their opening 1-0 win over Germany, but are now left to rue a seventh consecutive exit at the last-16 stage.
In a lively start, both sides exchanged chances inside the opening five minutes.Hirving Lozano's half-volley was well blocked by Miranda, while at the other end, Ochoa was equal to Neymar's powerful drive from just outside the penalty area.
Lozano was to prove a constant menace down Mexico's right, with only a Filipe Luis block preventing him from providing the final flourish to a flowing counter-attack.
Neymar cut an isolated figure during Brazil's disjointed start, but he exploded into life after 25 minutes, racing past Edson Alvarez in the area and forcing Ochoa into a smart save with his left hand.
Buoyed by that sorely-needed injection of dynamism, Tite's men then carved out two quick-fire chances. First, Jesus scuffed his close-range volley wide, and then Coutinho flashed an effort well over from 20 yards out.Jesus went close again in the 33rd minute, finding space in a crowded area and drilling in a left-footed strike that Ochoa palmed away.
Brazil picked up where they had left off after the restart, Coutinho testing Ochoa with a fierce drive after cutting in from the left.And their positive approach was rewarded in the 51st minute as Neymar and Willian combined to devastating effect.
Neymar's back-heel on the edge of the area teed up the Chelsea man for a burst into the box and his scuffed cross was slid into an empty net by the Paris Saint-Germain forward, who had ghosted in unmarked at the back post.
Paulinho should have doubled that advantage in the 59th minute, but Ochoa was once again equal to his whipped strike from 12 yards, while the over-worked goalkeeper also tipped over Willian's powerful effort four minutes later.
Substitute Miguel Layun was fortunate to escape punishment when he appeared to stand on Neymar's leg 20 minutes from time as the two clashed on the touchline, although the Brazil man's histrionics did not help his cause in convincing referee Gianluca Rocchi to brandish a card.As Mexico threw bodies forward in search of a late leveller, Brazil took full advantage of the gaps in their backline to score a second with two minutes remaining.
Neymar powered through and his low effort was diverted by Ochoa's foot into the path of Firmino, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.After their slow start it was ultimately no more than the Selecao deserved, as their bid for a sixth world title marches on.
Neymar mocks Mexico after win: They talked too much and they're going home
Brazil star Neymar could not resist twisting the knife with some choice comments directed at Mexico after ending El Tri's World Cup hopes on Monday.The Paris Saint-Germain forward broke the deadlock shortly after half-time in the last-16 clash by poking home from close range.He was also heavily involved in the late strike that finally put the game out of reach at 2-0, setting up Roberto Firmino.
And after a tetchy match that saw Neymar put on the floor on more than one occasion by some ferocious marking, he gleefully celebrated Brazil's passage into the quarterfinal."They talked too much, and they are going hope," he said to reporters after the final whistle.
"I want to congratulate the whole team. There are times in any game where you have to suffer, these are tough games and Mexico are a great side, but we showed lots of class."Us attackers have to score the goals because we know that we are very strong at the back."
Despite his praise for Mexico, Neymar was put out by a stamp suffered at the feet of Miguel Layun. "It was unfair. The ball was not in play and we were off the pitch," he signalled.Neymar now has two goals at the 2018 World Cup and will look to add to his tally in the last-eight match on Friday when they will meet the winner of Belgium's clash against Japan.
Brazil star Neymar could not resist twisting the knife with some choice comments directed at Mexico after ending El Tri's World Cup hopes on Monday.The Paris Saint-Germain forward broke the deadlock shortly after half-time in the last-16 clash by poking home from close range.He was also heavily involved in the late strike that finally put the game out of reach at 2-0, setting up Roberto Firmino.
And after a tetchy match that saw Neymar put on the floor on more than one occasion by some ferocious marking, he gleefully celebrated Brazil's passage into the quarterfinal."They talked too much, and they are going hope," he said to reporters after the final whistle.
"I want to congratulate the whole team. There are times in any game where you have to suffer, these are tough games and Mexico are a great side, but we showed lots of class."Us attackers have to score the goals because we know that we are very strong at the back."
Despite his praise for Mexico, Neymar was put out by a stamp suffered at the feet of Miguel Layun. "It was unfair. The ball was not in play and we were off the pitch," he signalled.Neymar now has two goals at the 2018 World Cup and will look to add to his tally in the last-eight match on Friday when they will meet the winner of Belgium's clash against Japan.
'The referee favoured Brazil' - Osorio furious at officiating after Mexico World Cup exit
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio slammed the refereeing during his side's World Cup last-16 defeat at the hands of Brazil.Having matched the Selecao for the first 45 minutes, Mexico came unstuck after the break in Samara.
Neymar swooped from close range to open the scoring, before forcing a late rebound that was turned home by Roberto Firmino to seal a 2-0 victory.
It marks the seventh consecutive World Cup that El Tri have exited at the last-16 stage, despite making a brilliant start in Russia by toppling champions Germany.But Osorio turned his ire on referee Gianluca Rocchi, whom he accused of leaning towards the Brazil side in his decisions.
"I think the officiating totally favored the Brazilians," the Colombian fired to Telemundo after the final whistle."It looked to me like their forwards were always looking for the contact and the foul and the referee always protected them. I think the officiating got too involved."
Despite going out once more in the fourth game of the World Cup, Osorio believes his charges can be proud of their campaign and how it ended."When you compare the possession against Brazil we had 53 percent against 47 percent, it looked to me the game was very even and it was decided in the penalty area," he added.
"You have to remember that the second goal was at the very end of the game."Mexico gave a good account, stood toe to toe, but we didn’t have the efficiency in the final third that they sure do in the final third.
"Mexico started well, we had a good start, but unfortunately we didn’t finish our chances well, and when you face a team with that quality up front you’re always in danger of them finding the game."
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio slammed the refereeing during his side's World Cup last-16 defeat at the hands of Brazil.Having matched the Selecao for the first 45 minutes, Mexico came unstuck after the break in Samara.
Neymar swooped from close range to open the scoring, before forcing a late rebound that was turned home by Roberto Firmino to seal a 2-0 victory.
It marks the seventh consecutive World Cup that El Tri have exited at the last-16 stage, despite making a brilliant start in Russia by toppling champions Germany.But Osorio turned his ire on referee Gianluca Rocchi, whom he accused of leaning towards the Brazil side in his decisions.
"I think the officiating totally favored the Brazilians," the Colombian fired to Telemundo after the final whistle."It looked to me like their forwards were always looking for the contact and the foul and the referee always protected them. I think the officiating got too involved."
Despite going out once more in the fourth game of the World Cup, Osorio believes his charges can be proud of their campaign and how it ended."When you compare the possession against Brazil we had 53 percent against 47 percent, it looked to me the game was very even and it was decided in the penalty area," he added.
"You have to remember that the second goal was at the very end of the game."Mexico gave a good account, stood toe to toe, but we didn’t have the efficiency in the final third that they sure do in the final third.
"Mexico started well, we had a good start, but unfortunately we didn’t finish our chances well, and when you face a team with that quality up front you’re always in danger of them finding the game."
Arsenal complete €19m Sokratis signing
Arsenal have announced the signing of defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund on a "long-term contract" for a fee in the region of €19 million (£16.7m/$22.4m).
Greece international Sokratis becomes the second player the Gunners have signed from Dortmund in the last year after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined for a club record fee in the January transfer window .
The 29-year-old is an experienced centre-back who shares the same agent as compatriot Konstantinos Mavropanos, another player scouted and signed by Arsenal’s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat at the turn of the year.
Mislintat maintains a close relationship with senior figures at Dortmund, where he spent over a decade as their chief scout, and played an influential part in Arsenal’s January signings of Mavropanos, Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the latter being another ex-Dortmund player whom the German knows well.
The signing of Sokratis is Unai Emery’s third acquisition since becoming Arsenal head coach, following hot on the heels of Stephan Lichtsteiner's arrival on a free transfer from Juventus and Bernd Leno completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen , though it is understood that preliminary talks had already taken place between Mislintat and the Greek defender’s agent before Emery took the hot seat at Emirates Stadium.
With Laurent Koscielny ruled out through injury until November at the earliest and Per Mertesacker retiring to take up a new role as head of the Arsenal academy, Mislintat is bolstering a Gunners defence which lacks experience and conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger's final season in charge.
Speaking to the club's official website, Sokratis said: "It’s a beautiful moment and I’m very happy that I will be here for the next years."Arsenal is one of the three biggest teams in the Premier League and one very big club. It has a lot of fans and a very big history.
"Like I said before, I’m very happy that for the next years I will be here to help the team."The defender’s father, Charalambos Papastathopoulos, told Greek radio station 24/7 in early June that his son rejected late interest from Manchester United to join the Gunners.
Arsenal are also closing in on a move for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira, though they are unlikley to be able to complete the deal for the Uruguay international until after the World Cup.
Arsenal have announced the signing of defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund on a "long-term contract" for a fee in the region of €19 million (£16.7m/$22.4m).
Greece international Sokratis becomes the second player the Gunners have signed from Dortmund in the last year after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined for a club record fee in the January transfer window .
The 29-year-old is an experienced centre-back who shares the same agent as compatriot Konstantinos Mavropanos, another player scouted and signed by Arsenal’s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat at the turn of the year.
Mislintat maintains a close relationship with senior figures at Dortmund, where he spent over a decade as their chief scout, and played an influential part in Arsenal’s January signings of Mavropanos, Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the latter being another ex-Dortmund player whom the German knows well.
The signing of Sokratis is Unai Emery’s third acquisition since becoming Arsenal head coach, following hot on the heels of Stephan Lichtsteiner's arrival on a free transfer from Juventus and Bernd Leno completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen , though it is understood that preliminary talks had already taken place between Mislintat and the Greek defender’s agent before Emery took the hot seat at Emirates Stadium.
With Laurent Koscielny ruled out through injury until November at the earliest and Per Mertesacker retiring to take up a new role as head of the Arsenal academy, Mislintat is bolstering a Gunners defence which lacks experience and conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger's final season in charge.
Speaking to the club's official website, Sokratis said: "It’s a beautiful moment and I’m very happy that I will be here for the next years."Arsenal is one of the three biggest teams in the Premier League and one very big club. It has a lot of fans and a very big history.
"Like I said before, I’m very happy that for the next years I will be here to help the team."The defender’s father, Charalambos Papastathopoulos, told Greek radio station 24/7 in early June that his son rejected late interest from Manchester United to join the Gunners.
Arsenal are also closing in on a move for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira, though they are unlikley to be able to complete the deal for the Uruguay international until after the World Cup.
De Gea: Spain are f*cked but we'll get up againDavid de Gea says the Spanish national team are "f*cked" after their shock exit from the World Cup, but has vowed that he and his team-mates will come back stronger.
The 2010 world champions started the tournament in exciting fashion with a 3-3 draw against Portugal and topped Group B despite managing just a 1-0 win over Iran and another draw with Morocco.
Things looked like they might click into place for La Furia Roja after being matched up with the tournament hosts in the last 16, with Russia odds on to be dumped out by a side packed with Barcelona and Real Madrid stars.
It was not to be, however, as the visitors struggled to break down a stubborn Russian defence that Aleksandr Samedov said executed their gameplan perfectly, with Spain eventually losing on penalties.Spain's lack of ability to change their tactics throughout the match could be hung in part on Julen Lopetegui's sacking following Madrid revealing that he would take over from Zinedine Zidane after the tournament.
Individual performances were also called into question, however, with De Gea himself saving just one shot throughout the tournament, but the Manchester United man insists Spain will not give up.“To [those who] supported, suffered and criticised us with respect, thanks,” he said via a Twitter post.“We're f*cked but we'll get up again and never give up.”
Captain Sergio Ramos said after the match that he and his team-mates can be proud in spite of their performance, criticising Russia's defensive play while adding that he hopes this is not the last World Cup for this crop of Spanish players.“We leave with our heads held high.” he said. “We did everything possible.
“They played to get to penalties from the start. It was the only way to do us damage.“We hope this isn't the last World Cup for this generation.
Andres Iniesta, however, has since announced his retirement from international football.
Belgium Starting Line-up
Courtois
Alderweireld
Kompany
Vertonghen
Meunier
De Bruyne
Witsel
Carrasco
Mertens
Hazard
Lukaku
&
Japan Starting Line-up
Kawashima
Shoji
Nagatomo
Sakai
Yoshida
Shibasaki
Haraguchi
Kagawa
Inui
Hasebe
Osako
Full Time
Belgium 3 Vs 2 Japan
Belgium Goal(s)
J.Vertonghen 69'
M.Fellaini 74'
N.Chadli 90+4'
&
Japan Goal(s)
G.Haraguchi 48'
T.Inui 52'
Belgium Goal(s)
J.Vertonghen 69'
M.Fellaini 74'
N.Chadli 90+4'
&
Japan Goal(s)
G.Haraguchi 48'
T.Inui 52'
japan ayata hena gahuwa wage eka paratama. patta gemaBelgium Vs Japan match eka pattaBelgium pattama comeback ekak
Belgium 3 Japan 2: Last-gasp Chadli completes comeback
Nacer Chadli's 94th-minute winner completed a sensational comeback as Belgium beat Japan 3-2 to book a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.
After a goalless first half, Japan struck twice in seven minutes following the interval to take full control of a gripping last-16 tie in Rostov-on-Don on Monday.Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui scored stunners as Japan looked set to reach the first World Cup quarter-final in their history.
But, instead, Belgium became the first team to come from two goals down to win in a World Cup knockout game since 1970 and will now face five-time winners Brazil on Friday.
Jan Vertonghen's looping header somehow beat goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and Belgium's aerial power started to tell when Marouane Fellaini thumped home Eden Hazard's brilliant left-wing cross.Keisuke Honda almost beat Thibaut Courtois with a free-kick in injury time but a clinical Belgium counter-attack, which ended in Thomas Meunier setting up Chadli for a simple finish, broke Japanese hearts.
Belgium did not record a shot until the 17th minute as Axel Witsel and Vincent Kompany had shots blocked while Inui headed at Courtois at the other end as Japan - who reverted to their XI from the first two group games - sent a warning about their counter-attacking threat.
And a moment of madness from Courtois almost handed Japan the lead just before half-time, the goalkeeper spilling a tame shot from Yuya Osako but recovering to claw the ball back.Japan had never scored a goal in the World Cup's knockout rounds but they ended their wait in the 48th minute through Haraguchi.
Another Belgium move broke down on the edge of the Japan box and Roberto Martinez's men fell victim to a rapid break, Gaku Shibasaki slipping a pass through to Haraguchi, who rifled a stunning shot across Courtois.
Hazard struck the post from Dries Mertens' pass as Belgium almost levelled immediately.But within four minutes of taking the lead Japan were 2-0 up, Inui's strike perhaps even eclipsing Haraguchi's outstanding opener.
Shinji Kagawa was the creator, collecting a loose ball after a poor clearance and feeding Inui, the midfielder working himself a yard of space before arrowing home a 25-yard rocket.When Romelu Lukaku somehow headed a perfect Meunier cross wide Belgium seemed to be heading out.
But they were given a lifeline when Vertonghen's looping header eluded goalkeeper Kawashima after a corner caused chaos in the Japan penalty area - and five minutes later they were back on level terms.Hazard twisted and turned to create space on the left wing, his cross perfectly delivered for substitute Fellaini to climb above his marker and crash in a downward header that gave Kawashima no chance.
Both sides had chances to win it, Kawashima making a magnificent save to tip over Lukaku's header before Courtois turned a speculative Keisuke Honda free-kick wide in added time.Japan sensed their chance to snatch a late winner but Courtois claimed the resulting corner and within seconds the ball was in the net at the other end.
Courtois found Kevin De Bruyne with a long throw and the Manchester City playmaker freed Meunier with a terrific pass that left Japan struggling to cover the break.
Meunier kept his cool to square a low cross and, when Lukaku dummied the ball, substitute Chadli was on hand to sweep Belgium into an unlikely quarter-final meeting with Brazil.
Nacer Chadli's 94th-minute winner completed a sensational comeback as Belgium beat Japan 3-2 to book a World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.
After a goalless first half, Japan struck twice in seven minutes following the interval to take full control of a gripping last-16 tie in Rostov-on-Don on Monday.Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui scored stunners as Japan looked set to reach the first World Cup quarter-final in their history.
But, instead, Belgium became the first team to come from two goals down to win in a World Cup knockout game since 1970 and will now face five-time winners Brazil on Friday.
Jan Vertonghen's looping header somehow beat goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and Belgium's aerial power started to tell when Marouane Fellaini thumped home Eden Hazard's brilliant left-wing cross.Keisuke Honda almost beat Thibaut Courtois with a free-kick in injury time but a clinical Belgium counter-attack, which ended in Thomas Meunier setting up Chadli for a simple finish, broke Japanese hearts.
Belgium did not record a shot until the 17th minute as Axel Witsel and Vincent Kompany had shots blocked while Inui headed at Courtois at the other end as Japan - who reverted to their XI from the first two group games - sent a warning about their counter-attacking threat.
And a moment of madness from Courtois almost handed Japan the lead just before half-time, the goalkeeper spilling a tame shot from Yuya Osako but recovering to claw the ball back.Japan had never scored a goal in the World Cup's knockout rounds but they ended their wait in the 48th minute through Haraguchi.
Another Belgium move broke down on the edge of the Japan box and Roberto Martinez's men fell victim to a rapid break, Gaku Shibasaki slipping a pass through to Haraguchi, who rifled a stunning shot across Courtois.
Hazard struck the post from Dries Mertens' pass as Belgium almost levelled immediately.But within four minutes of taking the lead Japan were 2-0 up, Inui's strike perhaps even eclipsing Haraguchi's outstanding opener.
Shinji Kagawa was the creator, collecting a loose ball after a poor clearance and feeding Inui, the midfielder working himself a yard of space before arrowing home a 25-yard rocket.When Romelu Lukaku somehow headed a perfect Meunier cross wide Belgium seemed to be heading out.
But they were given a lifeline when Vertonghen's looping header eluded goalkeeper Kawashima after a corner caused chaos in the Japan penalty area - and five minutes later they were back on level terms.Hazard twisted and turned to create space on the left wing, his cross perfectly delivered for substitute Fellaini to climb above his marker and crash in a downward header that gave Kawashima no chance.
Both sides had chances to win it, Kawashima making a magnificent save to tip over Lukaku's header before Courtois turned a speculative Keisuke Honda free-kick wide in added time.Japan sensed their chance to snatch a late winner but Courtois claimed the resulting corner and within seconds the ball was in the net at the other end.
Courtois found Kevin De Bruyne with a long throw and the Manchester City playmaker freed Meunier with a terrific pass that left Japan struggling to cover the break.
Meunier kept his cool to square a low cross and, when Lukaku dummied the ball, substitute Chadli was on hand to sweep Belgium into an unlikely quarter-final meeting with Brazil.
Inter confirm De Vrij and Asamoah arrivals
Stefan de Vrij has joined Inter on a five-year deal, it has been confirmed by the Serie A club, who also snapped up Juventus' Kwadwo Asamoah on a busy day in the transfer market.
Netherlands international De Vrij had already confirmed his departure from Lazio at the end of his contract, with the move formally completed on Monday.
Defender De Vrij memorably conceded a penalty for fouling Mauro Icardi on the last day of the 2017-18 season, an incident that directly contributed to Inter qualifying for the Champions League at Lazio's expense.
"It was destiny. All players are professionals, I don't think he fouled me on purpose," Inter captain Icardi said to Mediaset Premium. "He tried to stop me scoring, it was just destiny."Inter have also completed the signing of Asamoah, the versatile Ghana international joining on a three-year deal from Juventus.
Asamoah had already announced he was moving from Juve to Inter and the Nerazzurri confirmed the deal on Monday. Asamoah, who can play in defence or midfield, won four consecutive Coppa Italia titles and six successive Scudetti at Juve.
Stefan de Vrij has joined Inter on a five-year deal, it has been confirmed by the Serie A club, who also snapped up Juventus' Kwadwo Asamoah on a busy day in the transfer market.
Netherlands international De Vrij had already confirmed his departure from Lazio at the end of his contract, with the move formally completed on Monday.
Defender De Vrij memorably conceded a penalty for fouling Mauro Icardi on the last day of the 2017-18 season, an incident that directly contributed to Inter qualifying for the Champions League at Lazio's expense.
"It was destiny. All players are professionals, I don't think he fouled me on purpose," Inter captain Icardi said to Mediaset Premium. "He tried to stop me scoring, it was just destiny."Inter have also completed the signing of Asamoah, the versatile Ghana international joining on a three-year deal from Juventus.
Asamoah had already announced he was moving from Juve to Inter and the Nerazzurri confirmed the deal on Monday. Asamoah, who can play in defence or midfield, won four consecutive Coppa Italia titles and six successive Scudetti at Juve.
AC Milan complete Pepe Reina signing as Donnarumma future continues in doub
Pepe Reina and Ivan Strinic have completed moves to AC Milan on three-year deals.
The Serie A club announced that the signings of both players were sealed on Monday.Goalkeeper Reina and defender Strinic were both available on free transfers after their contracts expired at Napoli and Sampdoria respectively.
Reina's arrival is likely to fuel speculation Gianluigi Donnarumma could leave Milan, although sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli previously indicated this would not be the case if the 35-year-old former Liverpool star did sign.
.Donnarumma's agent Mino Raiola has regularly spoken about taking the shot stopper away from San Siro, the teenager having been the centre of a long-running transfer saga in 2017.
While Reina's arrival adds to the goalkeeping options for Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, Strinic signs from Sampdoria to boost defensive competition.
The left-back has been featuring for Croatia at the World Cup, starting three games in his country's run to the quarter-finals at Russia 2018.
Pepe Reina and Ivan Strinic have completed moves to AC Milan on three-year deals.
The Serie A club announced that the signings of both players were sealed on Monday.Goalkeeper Reina and defender Strinic were both available on free transfers after their contracts expired at Napoli and Sampdoria respectively.
Reina's arrival is likely to fuel speculation Gianluigi Donnarumma could leave Milan, although sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli previously indicated this would not be the case if the 35-year-old former Liverpool star did sign.
.Donnarumma's agent Mino Raiola has regularly spoken about taking the shot stopper away from San Siro, the teenager having been the centre of a long-running transfer saga in 2017.
While Reina's arrival adds to the goalkeeping options for Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, Strinic signs from Sampdoria to boost defensive competition.
The left-back has been featuring for Croatia at the World Cup, starting three games in his country's run to the quarter-finals at Russia 2018.
Willian rejects 'defensive' Brazil claims after shining in Mexico victory
Brazil star Willian rejected claims that the Selecao were a 'defensive' side, insisting that their strength at the back comes from the balance across coach Tite's line-up.
After a slow start in Monday's last-16 clash, the Chelsea winger came alive in the second half, playing in Neymar for the opening goal against Mexico.
El Tri were finally killed off by a late goal from Roberto Firmino, which clinched a quarter-final meeting with Belgium for the unbeaten Brazilians.
Goalkeeper Alisson has seen just one goal slip past him so far in Russia, but Willian points to their all-round strength rather than a negative attitude as the principal explanation.
“Like you said, we played very well. In the defensive situation, we were very solid,” Willian said after the final whistle.
“We defended very well and when we had the ball we created so many scoring chances.
“We did a good job. Both sides of the game, defensively and offensively, are important. So, we have to have balance, when we don’t have the ball we try to defend. When we do have the ball, we try to do what we know we do well. I think we did a great job today.”
Willian also won the praises of Brazil assistant coach Sylvinho, who pointed out his sterling work at covering right-back Fagner on a flank that was targeted early on by Mexico on the break.
"Willian always delivers beautifully. He has a lot to do tactically, he goes box-to-box, he is the defensive connection with Fagner and he also backs up Paulinho sometimes," Sylvinho pointed out.
"But even then he managed to stand out, in the second half he shined technically. He is delivering how we hoped he would."
Brazil star Willian rejected claims that the Selecao were a 'defensive' side, insisting that their strength at the back comes from the balance across coach Tite's line-up.
After a slow start in Monday's last-16 clash, the Chelsea winger came alive in the second half, playing in Neymar for the opening goal against Mexico.
El Tri were finally killed off by a late goal from Roberto Firmino, which clinched a quarter-final meeting with Belgium for the unbeaten Brazilians.
Goalkeeper Alisson has seen just one goal slip past him so far in Russia, but Willian points to their all-round strength rather than a negative attitude as the principal explanation.
“Like you said, we played very well. In the defensive situation, we were very solid,” Willian said after the final whistle.
“We defended very well and when we had the ball we created so many scoring chances.
“We did a good job. Both sides of the game, defensively and offensively, are important. So, we have to have balance, when we don’t have the ball we try to defend. When we do have the ball, we try to do what we know we do well. I think we did a great job today.”
Willian also won the praises of Brazil assistant coach Sylvinho, who pointed out his sterling work at covering right-back Fagner on a flank that was targeted early on by Mexico on the break.
"Willian always delivers beautifully. He has a lot to do tactically, he goes box-to-box, he is the defensive connection with Fagner and he also backs up Paulinho sometimes," Sylvinho pointed out.
"But even then he managed to stand out, in the second half he shined technically. He is delivering how we hoped he would."
