Tearful Japan fans crushed by last-gasp loss to Belgium


Japanese fans react after second goal by Belgium as they watch a broadcast of the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match Belgium vs Japan at a sports bar in Tokyo, Japan July 3, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese soccer fans fought back tears and wondered what could have been after a last-gasp goal by Belgium crushed their dreams of a historic World Cup quarter-final berth in heartbreaking fashion.

The Samurai Blue looked on track to reach their first quarter-final in three last-16 attempts after going 2-0 ahead early in the second half, only to see Belgium roar back and snatch a 3-2 win with an explosive counter-attack deep into stoppage time.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Football

Charity Shield match cancelled, JDT gets three points
Another operation for Faisal
Selangor, please come play
Soccer-Real's success down to collective sacrifice, Vinicius says
Soccer-Bayern fuming over stoppage-time offside after 2-1 loss to Real
Soccer-Journeyman Joselu takes long and winding road to Champions League final
Soccer-Real Madrid stun Bayern with late fightback to reach Champions League final
Soccer-Villa ready for season's biggest challenge against Olympiakos, Emery says
Soccer-Fiorentina book Conference League final place with Brugge draw
No charity from cops in season opener

Others Also Read