Belgium nearly joined the growing list of World Cup casualties on Monday evening.Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites in Russia but they had to survive a scare to overcome Japan at the Rostov Arena.Belgium trailed 2-0 with 20 minutes to go before goals from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini levelled the match.And in the fourth minute of injury-time, Nacer Chadli finished off a fine counter-attack to complete the comeback.Martinez deserves credit for turning the game around - he brought Fellaini and Chadli on at 2-0 down - but the Belgium coach will be fully aware that such complacency won’t be allowed against Brazil in the quarter-final.This is a golden era for the Belgian national side, who are blessed with a number of individual stars.It’s for that reason that Premier League fans are bound to have a vested interested in Belgium at the tournament.
Liverpool mocked for Mignolet tweet
From Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany, there are Premier League players wherever you look in Martinez’s squad.
One who can’t get into the starting line-up is Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
The 30-year-old is behind Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order - not that Liverpool seem to care.
The Reds posted a tweeted after Belgium’s win referencing ‘Simon Mignolet’s Belgium side’.
This comes despite the fact that Mignolet hasn’t played a single minute in Russia. It’s far from his side.
Fans on social media were quick to have a laugh at Liverpool.
It’s good that clubs are supporting their players while they are representing their countries.
But Liverpool may have taken it a step too far this time.
Belgium have been very impressive going forwards at the World Cup - as you would expect them to be - but there have been some causes for concern in defence.
Courtois conceded twice against Tunisia in the group stage and two more goals against Japan.
Neymar and co. will be eager to get at them on Friday.
Who will win between Brazil and Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final? What nation do you think will win the entire tournament? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!