Belgium cruised through the Group G, recording all three victories, and the fans are excited ahead of the last-16 clash with Japan set for this Monday, July 2nd, 2018, at Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don. On the other side, Japan managed to somehow proceed from the tough Group H competition, so Samurai Blue would not surrender, that’s for sure, so the bettors can expect an entertaining game and a great battle.
Belgium vs. Japan
3-Way: 1: Belgium -250; X: +375 Draw; 2: Japan +900 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Belgium +120; Japan -156
Total +2.5: Over -105; Under -118
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +120/-164
BELGIUM
The Red Devils marched through the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, smashing Tunisia 5-2 and Panama 3-0 in the first two games, while in the final match of the Group G, they overcame England 1-0 thanks to Adnan Januzaj brilliant strike. This victory over Three Lions brought Belgium in the tougher half of the bracket with the potential clash with Brazil in the Quarter-Finals, but if you want to win the World Cup title, you just have to beat all matches in the knock-out stage whoever is on the other side of the pitch.
The striker Romelu Lukaku hit a couple of braces against Tunisia and Panama, and he’s a +450 favorite to win the Golden Boot, so Lukaku is certainly keen to improve his record against the Japanese. The skillful forward Eden Hazard is a true leader of this Belgium team, creating plenty of chances in the final third, so his contribution should be one of the key factors in Belgium’s drive to the success. The defensive line looked fragile at some points, but with such a powerful frontline, the Red Devils can afford some mistakes at the back.
- Belgium is at +650 to win the title in Russia
- Belgium is at +137 to make it to the last four
JAPAN
Samurai Blue has become the first team ever that reached the knock-out phase thanks to a fair-play rule, as Japan had the same number of points and an identical goal difference with Senegal, but the Japanese had less yellow cards on the account than the Lions of Teranga. However, Japanese deserved it with some brave displays against Colombia and Senegal, but they disappointed in a 1-0 defeat against Poland in the final match of the Group H.
Japan prefers a short-passing game, trying to patiently create some chances in the final third, and the talented playmaker Shinji Kagawa is probably the most important member of the starting lineup, along with a striker Yuyu Osako and the midfielder Takashi Inui who scored a great goal against Senegal. On the other hand, the experienced goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima made some terrible mistakes along the way, while the defensive line is certainly the weakest part of this Japan team.
- Japan is at +15000 to beat the 2018 World Cup
- Japan is at +2000 to reach the last four
Belgium vs. Japan – Match and Odds Breakdown
The bettors could see plenty of surprises at the 2018 World Cup so far, but they shouldn’t see another in this one, as Belgium’s offense seems too much for Japan’s defense. Even if Samurai Blue somehow finds the back of the net, Belgium should score at least two times, so -105 odds on the over 2.5 goals in total look like a nice wager.
Prior to the tournament, Belgium also was a huge favorite to win the title, so I believe they cannot wait to face Brazil in the last eight and will do anything to beat Japan here. The bettors who are a bit skeptical could wager on the spread at -1 with the -150 wages, while all lines and markets are available on BetDSI Sportsbook.
The Pick: Belgium AH -1.5 (+120)
Additional Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-105)
