Belgium have gone into the so-called harder side of the draw but in my opinion, if one team is going to beat Brazil it's Belgium. They have an arrogance about them and they will take the game to Brazil. First though, they've got to beat Japan and I'll think they'll do it comfortably. Fair play to Japan though because qualifying for the knockout stages of the World Cup is no mean feat. When you look at the teams that have gone home you realise it's a massive achievement. This is where it ends, though, as Belgium will be far too strong.
Belgium are very similar to England, resting lots of players in their last group game, but we know their quality. Lukaku on 4 goals has every chance of getting the Golden Boot and Hazard has been different class so far. They will definitely be in the later stages of the tournament. Japan have done so well qualifying, I expected them to be bottom of their group so they have surprised a few people. Very organized and also very dangerous on the break. I’m going Belgium to win though, 2-0
I'm not convinced there are too many easy games in a World Cup. Japan are going to make things difficult for Belgium. Coming into this game on the back of a defeat to Poland, they are going to sit in and try and hit Belgium on the counter-attack. However, Belgium have the quality to eventually break Japan down. I'd imagine Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku actually quite enjoy these situations. For that reason, I'm backing those two to help Belgium wrap up a 3-0 victory.
Senegal were actually the team in Group H that I thought would give Belgium and England problems - but they did not make it into the last 16.
When Belgium have played their strongest side they have not struggled to create chances but, even then, they have not looked like the cohesive unit they will need to be to go far in this tournament.
Roberto Martinez's side will win this tie, though, because I don't think Japan will be able to cope with their attacking power.
Ronaldo and Costa are out of tournament and now it's obvious that Lukaku and Kane will be main contenders for the Golden Boot. Japan is weak while Belgium is looking amazing in attack, I expect Lukaku to score more than once in this game. Lukaku to score anytime - yes.
Belgium have gone into the so-called harder side of the draw but in my opinion, if one team is going to beat Brazil it's Belgium. They have an arrogance about them and they will take the game to Brazil. First though, they've got to beat Japan and I'll think they'll do it comfortably. Fair play to Japan though because qualifying for the knockout stages of the World Cup is no mean feat. When you look at the teams that have gone home you realise it's a massive achievement. This is where it ends, though, as Belgium will be far too strong.
Source: Sky Sports