94 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Nacer Chadli
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.
