Japan knocked out of World Cup by Belgium

Jul 03 (NHK) - Japan has been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup in Russia after losing to Belgium 3-2.

The first half of their round of 16 match in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don ended scoreless.

Genki Haraguchi's goal in the 48th minute put Japan ahead. After receiving a pass from Gaku Shibasaki, Haraguchi scored by firing a shot into the left corner.

Japan doubled its lead 4 minutes later with a fine finish by Takashi Inui.

But Belgium's Jan Vertonghen scored in the 69th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1.

And Marouane Fellaini headed the ball home in the 74th minute to bring his team level.

Japan's midfielders Hotaru Yamaguchi and Keisuke Honda were brought on in the 81st minute.

But Nacer Chadli scored in stoppage time to give Belgium a 3-2 win.

Japan reached the last 16 in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups but has never advanced to the quarterfinals.

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