Japan score two quick goals vs Belgium: Martin Keown reveals shock at World Cup clash
JAPAN stunned Belgium by scoring twice in the space of four minutes in the World Cup last-16 match - and Martin Keown was as surprised as anyone while commentating on the game for BBC.
Japan opened the scoring through Genki Haraguchi (Image: GETTY)
Power, precision, it stays hit that ball. Unbelievable
Martin Keown on Japan's second goal vs Belgium
“Absolutely fantastic finish. A little shimmy there drags the defender and he finds the corner beautifully.”
Takashi Inui doubled the lead soon after, firing home from outside the box to leave Courtois helpless.
“Well it’s an unbelievable strike isn’t it,” Keown said.
“Such clean football here, (Shinji) Kagawa, look at this touch, just lays it off.
“This ball is hit like an absolute arrow, nonchalant. A top goalkeeper beaten from there. Power, precision, it stays hit that ball. Unbelievable.”
Thibaut Courtois had no chance with Takashi Inui's strike in the Belgium goal (Image: GETTY)
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Keown was not impressed with Belgium’s tactics and believes having Kevin De Bruyne as one of two centre-midfielders was too open.
“Two in midfield, it just doesn’t work,” he added.
“De Bruyne’s too deep in that midfield. That’s the luxury when you want to play with three strikers. You leave yourself short in that midfield.”
Belgium fought back quick though and goals from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini in the space of five minutes drew the game level at 2-2.
And Nacer Chadli scored a stoppage time winner to send Belgium through to the quarter-final, where they face Brazil.