World Cup wonder goals: Belgium’s 11-second counter kill
We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a breathtaking goal each day. Here you can watch Belgium produce a counter-attacking clinic at Russia 2018.
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Belgium v Japan Russia 2018 | Last 16 Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
“This is Belgium’s best-ever generation,” stated the legendary Jan Ceulemans. “I think they have a great chance, but it’s also probably their last shot.”
That shot had all but drowned by the Don River. When Nacer Chadli rose from the bench in the 65th minute, Belgium were 2-0 down to Japan. Then, suddenly, headers from big Jan Vertonghen and even bigger Marouane Fellaini catapulted Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils level. With the clock on the cusp of extra time, however, Japan were afforded a last opportunity to snatch a quarter-final date with Brazil. “If Japan score here, Belgium are going home,” said commentator Kevin Keatings as Keisuke Honda took a corner with 31 seconds of injury time remaining. Moments later, one team was heading home. It was not, however, one in all red. Thibaut Courtois caught the cross and, just 11 seconds after he rolled it out, following a Kevin De Bruyne surge, Thomas Meunier centre and Romelu Lukaku dummy, Chadli stroked the ball home at the back post.