
Photo: AP
Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard played the entire 90 minutes in Belgium’s second round victory over Japan, while striker Michy Batshuayi was among the substitutes, as Roberto Martinez’s side came from two goals down to claim victory with just seconds remaining.
Goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui had fired Japan into a two goal lead shortly after the start of the second half, before the Belgians hit back through headers from Jan Vertonghen and Maroune Fellaini before Nacer Chadli tapped home a winning goal with virtually the last kick of the game.
Hazard had a wonderful chance in the second half as he saw his shot come off the bar. Courtois played a key role in the winning goal seconds before the final whistle as he kept out a Japanese attack from a Keisuke Honda free-kick with a fine save before he then started a devastating counter attack that won the game for Belgium.
After collecting a corner, the Chelsea goalkeeper rolled the ball out to Kevin De Bruyne who in turn slipped in Meunier who squared for Chadli to tap home a dramatic winner and break Japanese hearts.