World Cup - Round of 16

Welcome to another WhoReps look at the 2018 World Cup. Today we'll be recapping Monday's action and looking ahead to Tuesday! Enjoy.
                                            
When this tournament started, I let you guys in on the little secret that nobody actually knows anything about international soccer. Two weeks later? Defending champs Germany out in the group stage. Reigning European champions Portugal out. Lionel Messi and Argentina out. Perennial power and pre-tournament favorite Spain out. 70th ranked Russia? Still alive. You might have heard me then, but you believe me now.
 
Belgium narrowly avoided becoming another name in that list earlier today, thanks to an incredible and historic comeback victory over underdog Japan. Down 2-0 well into the second half after a pair of laser strikes from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui, all hope appeared lost for a Belgian side ranked third in the world. Nothing was working. Manager Roberto Martinez was all but assured of losing his first match in his last 22 competitive games at the head of the Red Devils. But thats why they play all 90. 

Jan Vertonghen finally got Belgium on the board in the 69th minute with a standstill header just out of the reach of keeper Eiji Kawashima, then substitute Marouane Fellani got another to level the score almost immediately. All the good feelings Japan created in the first hour of play evaporated in minutes. The match seemed headed for extra time, but Belgium wasn't done yet. With mere moments remaining in regulation, the Belgians got out on a final break, and unheralded sub Nacer Chadli put one past the frantic Japanese defense after a beautiful decoy run from striker Romelu Lukaku. Like that, the biggest comeback at the World Cup knockout stages in nearly 50 years was complete. Belgium moves on.

Earlier, Brazil handled Mexico 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals and continue their run of dominance. Neymar opened the scoring in the 51st minute, sliding in and re-directing a Brazilian cross past excellent keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Fellow forward Roberto Firmino fully closed the door on Mexico's hopes in the 88th minute, with a blast past Ochoa on a rebound. At this point, the Brazilians have to be considered the singular favorite to take home the trophy. Mexico is sent home in the Round of 16 once again, the seventh(!) consecutive knockout round loss for El Tri. Adios.  

The Round of 16 finishes tomorrow, with Colombia taking on England and Sweden matching up with Switzerland. Meanwhile, today's results set up a fascinating quarterfinal matchup between Brazil and Belgium, with the winner feeling great about their title chances. We can't wait!

Stay tuned to WhoReps' as we recap it all!