FIFA Round of 16 Review: Match Day 3

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FIFA Round of 16 Review: Match Day 3

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(WebDesk) - Football got a whole lot exciting on Monday as Belgium took on Japan in a thrilling, extremely close encounter and favorites Brazil faced off against underdogs Mexico. In a World Cup that has so far featured many shocking results, all the ‘big guns’ have become vary of what might happen to them if they lack concentration even for the slightest of times.

FIFA World Cup 2018 has produced shocking results leaving the fans hungry for more. Photo: The Moscow Times.

As promised, day 3 of the round of 16, really lived up to the standards of the ongoing tournament and produced a pair of exciting matches.

Here is a look at how the matches eventually panned out on Monday.

Brazil vs Mexico

Mexico came into the knockout rounds feeling more than satisfied with their performances thus far. Making out of the group that featured the likes of Germany, Sweden and South Korea meant that the Americans played some good football and that they certainly did. Their opponents, Brazil started off the tournament as hot favorites but a frustrating draw against the Swiss meant that they had to adjust real quick. The five-time world champions eventually found their feet and won the rest of their matches with ease. Coming in the tie against Mexico on the back of consecutive wins meant that Brazil were riding high on confidence.

Given the nature of the World Cup, analysts and fans alike were expecting a bit of drama first hand and even though Mexico got off to a bright start when their attack gave the Brazilian back line something to worry about in just the second minute of the match, the rest of the first half suggested otherwise. If it hadn’t been for some great saves from Mexican goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa, Brazil would have had at least two goals in the opening forty-five minutes.

 Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s heroics kept the score to 0-0 in the first half. Photo: Twitter.

Mexico managed to go into the second half goalless but the pattern wasn’t there to stay for long as Brazil eventually scored the opener courtesy star forward, Neymar Jr, who was assisted brilliantly by Willian. Even though a couple of shots were tipped over by Brazilian goalkeeper Allyson, Mexico could not cope with the opposition who dominated most the second-half and eventually doubled their lead via substitute Robert Firmino in the dying minutes of the game.

Neymar scored the opener in the 51st minute. Photo: NESN.com

 Firmino’s goal sealed the win for Brazil. Photo: Evening Standard.

The second goal not only sealed a place in the last eight for Brazil but also reduced millions of Mexican fans, who came into the match hoping for another major upset, to tears.

Star Player

Neymar Jr.

PSG forward and Brazil megastar Neymar Jr gave a five star performance to ensure his sides progress into the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The 26-year-old forced Ochoa into a save early on in the first half before giving his side the lead in the 51st minute of the match; a goal that eye-catching dribbling skills and a brilliant back heel. Adding to the goal, the forward assisted substitute Robert Firmino in the 88th minute to seal the win.

Noteworthy skills, brilliant passing, a goal and an assist made Neymar the star of the match.

 Belgium vs Japan

Belgium, also sometimes referred to as the “Dark Horses” of major tournaments, got their campaign off to a flyer, maintaining a perfect record, winning three games out of three in the group stages. The perfect record ensured that the Belgians came into the do-or-die encounter expecting another easy win. Their opponents, Japan, however, proved to be surprise entrants in the round of 16 and were determined to cause another huge upset in the tournament by beating the Belgians.

The first half was full of sparring with both sides determined to take the lead. It wasn’t till the 48th minute, however, when the game finally saw a goal via a perfect strike from Genki Haraguchi. The Japanese continued to turn the heads when Takashi Inui doubled his side’s lead just four minutes later by scoring one of the goals of the tournament. The two goals in quick succession had the Belgians worried for their lives as the fans looked on to another potential World Cup shock.

Genki Haraguichi opened the scoring with a clean strike in the start of the second half. Photo: Gettyimages.

 Takashi Inui’s wonder strike had the Belgians staring at another shock exit. Photo: FOX Sports

Belgium tried their best to fight back and finally scored in the 69th minute, via a well-directed header from Jan Vertonghen. Another header five minutes later made the back of the net as Marouane Fellaini equalized, making the Belgian fans hopeful once more. First Japan pressed forward, Belgium resisted then Belgium piled men ahead, Japan defended. The close competition continued until the 90th minute. Just as the coaches were getting ready for extra-time, Belgium completed one of the greatest comebacks in the World Cup’s recent history when Nacer Chadli’s goal sent the stadium in a frenzy.

Vertonghen got one back for the Belgians. Photo: AP News

Fellaini equalised in the 74th minute. Photo: TalkSport

 The last minute winner from Nacer Chadli completed Belgium’s great comeback. Photo: Sporting News.

Chadli’s last minute goal meant only one thing: Asian hopes and dreams shattered with the Europeans living to fight another day.

Star Player

Takashi Inui

Featuring as a star player even when a player is on the losing side, speaks on its own. Attacking midfielder, Takashi Inui not only scored courtesy a remarkable effort from outside the box, he worked tirelessly both on and off the ball to maintain possession for his national side. Inui’s key through balls and great pace on and off the ball had the Belgian defence on its feet for most of the time.

By: Raacikh Asghar