For Japan the World Cup has been a transformative experience. Their late coaching change in April had most deriding their chances. They were one of the biggest underdogs on the board to win the tournament. Yet they have made the Round of 16. With a level of play that has surprised all. As well as impressed them. Conversely Belgium was a large betting the World Cup chalk. And they have lived up to expectations. Three wins in three matches have served notice. The Red Devils prolific offense is a force of nature. Defensively they have exceeded expectations.
2018 FIFA World Cup Belgium vs. Japan
Date and Time: Monday, July 2, 2018, 2 p.m. ET
Location: Rostov Arena, Rostov on Don
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | +1½ (-142) | 2½ (-104) |  |
| Belgium | -1½ (+127) | 2½ (-111) | |
| |||
Belgium vs. Japan TV Coverage: FOX
Belgium so Far
Belgium was the winner of Group G. They opened in impressive fashion with a 3-0 victory over Panama. Romelu Lukaku was the hero with two goals in the match. Lukaku added two more goals in Belgium’s second game. They overwhelmed Tunisia 5-2. Next was their Group G showdown with England. The Red Devils prevailed 1-0 with Adan Januzaj scoring at the 51 minute mark. England was among the hottest Betting the World Cup squads. It was an impressive win.
Japan so Far
Japan scored an impressive sports betting upset in their opener. Colombia was the victim in a 2-1 upset by the Samurai Blue. Yuya Osako broke the tie at the 73 minute mark. Colombia was the Group H favorite. And a Group winning quarterfinalist in 2014. Which made it a landmark win. Japan next earned a 2-2 draw with Senegal. Keisuke Honda tied the match at the 78 minute mark. Poland defeated the Samurai Blue 1-0 in the finale. But it didn’t matter. Japan made the Knockout round.
Akira Nishino
Japan manager Akira Nishino has proven to be the right man at the right time. He took over in April after Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked. The firing was due to the manager’s inability to be flexible. Also, players such as Keisuke Honda were held down by Halilhodzic. And Japan struggled to qualify as a result. But Nishino has unleashed better than anticipated talent. Players love to play for him. The cloud of the Halilhodzic tyranny has been lifted. Nevertheless, the results speak for themselves.
Belgium’s Success
Few teams can match Belgium for pure offensive ability. But there were plenty of questions about manager Roberto Martinez. In fact, his defensive tactics were previously panned by star Devin De Bruyne. But in this tournament everything has clicked. And the Red Devils have been a complete team. De Bruyne epitomizes the well rounded player that makes Belgium so dynamic. He plays the entire pitch to perfection. Also, few players have greater vision. Which is what makes him a superior playmaker. He is a pro star for Manchester City. Lukaku has validated has status as one of the world’s great strikers.
Matchup to Watch
Japan has been a great Betting the World Cup story indeed. But this match should strike midnight for Cinderella. Belgium has vastly more dynamic weapons and skill overall.
Betting the World Cup: World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Belgium to advance to the round of eight.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Belgium
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Belgium 2, Japan 0
Catch highlights of Belgium’s win over England!