Belgium vs Japan: Key to World Cup 2018 quarterfinals, kickoffs, possible lineups, history, prediction and betting odds

This Monday, Belgium and Japan are ready to give up their best in the knockout stage of World Cup 2018. The winner from the 2 nation's clash will enhance to the quarterfinals where the winner from Brazil vs Mexico will be the opponent in the semi-finals.

Belgium, in the favor of all, made up the Round of 16 as the undefeated team of Group G, unlike Japan from Group H's struggling journey. Japan tying with Senegal in all points got the ticket having fewer yellow cards than Senegal, though it's quite unsafe to assume any team as the underdogs. 

Kick-off time and Venue? How to watch the match?

Belgium and Japan will go head-on-head at Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Done on July 2, Monday. The kick-off time is scheduled for 7 pm BST.

As for the broadcasting news, for FIFA member countries, the match will be live on national channels in their television. The English fans can enjoy the live action at BBC One and BBC 5 (live commentary) while BBC iPlayer will ease the online live stream.

Also, the match can be enjoyed online via apple store and play store apps, be sure to get the best.

Possible Lineups

Belgian gems Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were ruled out in the final group match against England, however, this time in the K.O match against Japan, Belgium is going with full force.

Romelu Lukaku has recovered from the ankle injury while among defensive duo Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany, coach Martinez hinted to have at least one to set in slot strengthing the  defensive body.

As for Japan, injured striker Shinji Okazaki will not make an appearance, resulting Yuya Osako to stand up at front.

The possible lineups are:

Belgium XI: Formation 3-4-3

Goal Keeper- Thibaut Courtois.

Defenders- Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen.

Midfielders- Thomas Meunier, Kevin de Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Yannick Carrasco.

Forwards- Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard.

Japan XI: Formation 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper- Eiji Kawashima

Defenders- Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji, Yuto Nagatomo.

Defensive Midfielders- Gaku Shibasaki, Makoto Hasebe.

Attacking Midfielders- Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui.

Forward- Yuya Osako

Players to Watch

Belgian players:

Romelu Lukaku (striker) – Scored 4 goals in 2 two games in World Cup 2018 group stage

Eden Hazard (winger) – Scored 2 goals against Tunisia making 24 goals in 88 international appearances.

Kevin de Bruyne (central midfielder) – Manchester City’s record-breaking Premier League title win.

Japanese players:

Shinji Kagawa (attacking midfielder) – Scored his 31st Japanese goal against Colombia.

Takashi Inui (winger) – Scored twice against Paraguay in Japan’s final warm-up match, and 1 goal against Senegal.

Keisuke Honda (attacking midfielder) – Made a tying goal against Senegal.

History and Predictions

Belgium and Japan have played against 5 times before with the record of 2 wins for Japan, 2 draws and 1 loss, where the only loss resulted after Romelu Lukaku scored the winning goal in November's friendly.

As of KO stage Belgium vs Japan, this Monday, out of 100% participants, 51% predicted Belgium's victory and on the other hand, 26% is voted for Japan's win, the rest 23% being voted for the draw.

Betting Odds

As per Betfair, the highest bet point is of Japan's win, i.e. 11.0 which means if you place $100 on Japan, the return money will be $1,100 if Japan is victorious. While Belgium's win and the match draw with the bet odd points of 1.4 and 4.5 makes $140 and $450 respectively, if the prediction is right.

The possibility of the betting odds are:

• Belgium to win 3-0: 17/2
• Romelu Lukaku to score first: 11/4
• Kevin De Bruyne to score: 7/2
• Over 4.5 goals: 6/1

Related News: Belgium 28-man provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Note: Odds subject to change.