World Cup last 16: Belgium vs. Japan team news, predictions, TV channel, betting odds

Dries Mertens tells his Belgium teammates
to ‘remember the Wales game’

Preview

Four years ago in Brazil, Belgium needed extra-time to beat the
United States in the round of 16. While at the European
Championships two years ago the Red Devils were shocked by Wales,
losing the quarter-final 3-1.

Mertens says the Belgian players must use those past
disappointments for motivation against Japan in Rostov-On-Don on
Monday.

“Remember the Wales game,” Mertens told Reuters. “Everyone thought we’d go through – we
went out. We have that on our minds and it gives us
strength.” 

The winners of the Belgium vs. Japan clash will face
Brazil or Mexico in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Team news

Belgium made changes for their final group G game so Eden
Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne will all come back into
the side. Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen should also be
available for selection.

Head coach Roberto Martinez does have some concerns
though. Defender Jan Vertonghen, right-back Thomas Meunier and
midfielder De Bruyne are all on a yellow card and if they are
booked they would miss the quarter-final, should Belgium win
against Japan.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Japan are
expected to bring Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui, Yuya Osako and
Makoto Hasebe back into the side. 

Belgium vs. Japan predicted starting
XIs

How the teams could line up at the Rostov Arena, according to
Fifa.com:

• Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany,
  Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco,
  Thomas Meunier; Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard; Romelu
  Lukaku 
• Japan: Eiji Kawashima; Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Gen Shoji,
  Yuto Nagatomo; Makoto Hasebe, Gaku Shibasaki; Genki Haraguchi,
  Shinji Kagawa, Takashi Inui; Yuya Osako

Belgium vs. Japan predictions

Mark Lawrenson, BBC
Sport: “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. Prediction: Belgium 2 Japan 0.”

The Daily Telegraph: “The golden generation of
Belgian football have a golden chance to reach the last eight. And
everything indicates that they will. Pace, strength, depth, vision,
they have it all. I can’t see Japan having an answer. but Belgium
should not have any problems and will look to send a message to the
historic ‘big teams’ of the World Cup. Prediction: Belgium 4 Japan
0.”

101GreatGoals: “Roberto Martinez’s side may
have wanted to face Colombia in the round of 16 but they will come
up against arguably the weaker opposition in Japan. With Romelu
Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne all expected to return to
the starting line-up, the Belgians should easily see themselves
through to the quarter-finals. Prediction: Belgium 3 Japan 0.”

Belgium vs. Japan betting odds

Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 1 July).

• Belgium to win: 2/5 
• Draw: 7/2 
• Japan to win: 10/1

First goalscorer

• Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): 15/4 
• Michy Batshuayi (Belgium): 21/5 
• Eden Hazard (Belgium): 9/2 
• Dries Mertens (Belgium): 13/2 
• Thorgan Hazard (Belgium): 17/2 
• Nacer Chadli (Belgium): 11/1 
• Adnan Januzaj (Belgium): 11/1 
• No goalscorer (Belgium): 11/1 
• Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): 11/1 
• Marouane Fellaini (Belgium): 12/1 
• Yuya Osako (Japan): 12/1 
• Shinji Okazaki (Japan): 12/1