By Emmanuel Ebimoh
Every match in the ongoing World Cup leaves a trail of heartbreak or surprise in the veins of supporters around the world. It’s been nothing but sheer brilliance by some, and desperate miscalculation by others. We’ve seen the ‘strong and mighty’ fallen, the underachievers risen, and the hearts of many in shock. The likes of Germany, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, have all kissed early goodbyes to the trophy, leaving us in wait of what the next big thing will be.
When Belgium filed out their almost impeccable squad against Japan in a second round match yesterday at the Rostov arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, no one gave the Japanese side a chance. It was only almost certain that the Belgian star-studded team will have a smooth ride over their Asian opponent. But it wasn’t going to be another holiday party as we were thrilled to one of the toughest games in the World Cup. After a goalless first half, Japan came back smoking hot as Genchi Haraguchi and Takashi Inui gave Japan a surprised 2-goal lead in 4 minutes. It was turning out to be another shocking victory for Akira Nishino’s side, who had never advanced to the quarter final stage of the World Cup. But Belgium responded swiftly as Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini made it 2-2 with just 15 minutes to go in normal time.
Then Japan blew it!
With less than one minute on the clock, the game locked at 2-2 and an inevitable extra-time looming, Japan earned a corner kick and they decided to roll the dice one last time by pushing players forward in the hope of finding a decisive goal. But in executing such a plan, they left themselves open in defense to the might of the tournament’s most prolific attacking force. What followed was one of the fastest, devastating counter-attack that sent the Asian continent in complete disbelief. Thibaut Courtois caught the ball from the corner kick and rolled it quickly to Kevin Du Bruyne. The Manchester City midfield maestro sliced through the middle of the field and found Thomas Meunier who sent a low cross into the box. Romelu Lukaku gave a brilliant dummy and left it for Nacer Chadli who slammed the ball into the net.
From the time calculated, It took Belgium precisely 9.94 seconds to get the ball from Thibaut Courtois all the way up the field and into the back of the net. It was one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history laced in arguably the fastest counter-attack in football. It was the goal that would send Japan home; setting up Belgium to a mouth-watering tie against Brazil in the quarter finals. It was heartbreak for the Blue Samurai and victory for the Golden Generation of Belgium.
Earlier in the day, Brazil had defeated Mexico 2-0 in another explosive second round match with Neymar and Roberto Firmino getting the goals for the Samba boys.
Today, Sweden will tackle Switzerland in an All-European affair, while Colombia will do battle with England for a place in the quarter finals of the World Cup. No doubt, today’s matches promises to be exciting as we await probably another shocker in the ongoing tournament.
Emmanuel Ebimoh is a writer, blogger, football analyst, and social media strategist. You can reach him on Facebook and LinkedIn on Emmanuel Ebimoh. Email: emmyebimoh@gmail.com
