A frantic atmosphere was created in quick succession inside the Rostov Arena after Japan took a 2-0 lead against Belgium in just four minutes. First, it was Geni Harugache who took full advantage of a huge defensive blunder by Jan Vertongen to open the scoring for the Samurai Blue in the 48th minutes.
Per the World Cup’s record books, the goal was Japan’s first-ever in a knockout round. Along came Takashi Inui who blasted a long-range effort past a helpless Thibaut Courtois to give the Asian’s a 2-0 lead inside the 54th- minutes.
Once again, a new milestone was attained as it was the first time Belgium has conceded a World Cup goal from outside the penalty box since Rivaldo’s struck for Brazil against them at the 2002 edition of the tournament.
