Belgium 3-2 Japan: 5 Talking Points as Belgium mount an unbelievable comeback over Japan, World Cup 2018

#4 Martinez's last roll of the dice merely luck or pure genius?

It could've gone horribly wrong for Belgium but Martinez figured it out somehow in the end

Roberto Martinez was completely outmaneuvered by his opposite number, Akira Nishiro, for the majority of the game and it almost seemed like Belgium were heading for yet another knockout stage exit in an international tournament.

Japan were tactically superior on the night and was set up in a particular way to take full advantage of the space left behind by Belgium's wing-backs, a potential weak link that was exposed to good effect by the movement of Inui and Genki Haraguchi with Shinji Kagawa supporting them down the middle.

However, after being outplayed for the majority of the game, Martinez responded by making a double change in the 65th minute by bringing on Marouane Fellaini in place of the ineffective Dries Mertens and Chadli for Yannick Carrasco in the wide role.

The gamble paid off handsomely as both players got on the score sheet for the Red Devils after Jan Vertonghen pulled a goal back in the 69th minute.

Luck favours the brave and it certainly worked in accordance with Martinez on the night but was it pre-meditated? Only he knows..