World Cup Russia 2018 newsletter

Belgium’s Adnan Januzaj celebrates after a goal; Belgium was the highest-scoring team in group stage competition (Alastair Grant/Associated Press)Japan vs. Belgium

Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don

Belgium enters the round of 16 with new motivation following the early exits of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the knockout stage. Midfielder Eden Hazard explained that the ousting of the world’s top players is “good for us,” because it clears heavyweights Argentina and Portugal from Belgium’s championship path (although heavyweights Brazil, France and Uruguay remain).

Still, Hazard is not letting his team sleep on a Japanese team that only qualified for the round of 16 via FIFA’s fair play…