A 94th-minute winner by Nacer Chadli ended the World Cup dreams of Japan in heartbreaking fashion as Belgium pulled out a stunning fightback to win 3-2 on Monday.
After weathering a first-half Belgium storm, Japan opened the second period with two lightning strikes, Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui scoring goals that allowed the Samurai Blue to dream of an unlikely win over the world's No. 3 team — and a first appearance in the quarterfinals.
But the star-studded Belgium team, who entered the game on a 22-game unbeaten run, struck back with goals from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini, before the final dagger from Chadli sent Japan's players crumpling to the floor.