'Seems impossible': Confusion reigns over epic World Cup goal
Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen has scored an “impossible” goal that has divided the opinion of the footballing world.
The 31-year-old Belgian was 18.6 metres out from goal and on a tight angle, when he used his head to put the ball in the back of the net – but did he mean it?
Vertonghen has caused confusion after scoring the long-range header, with fans unsure whether it was “phenomenal” or simply a “fluke”.
Vertonghen !!!!!!!!! What was that header ?!?! Never seen anything like it !! Phenomenal!!!! ⚽️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟#BELJPN
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 2, 2018
If Vertonghen meant that, it was one of the greatest headers of all time. (I suspect he probably didn't.)
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) July 2, 2018
Also shows the part luck so often plays in sport. Without that fluke from Vertonghen at 0-2 Belgium 100% lose that game. Brilliant comeback tho.
— Ian Ladyman (@Ian_Ladyman_DM) July 2, 2018
Wild game. Mistake by the Japanese keeper allowed Vertonghen’s goal, such as it was, to happen.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 2, 2018
Did Vertonghen mean that!? Because if he did that was ridiculous! 🇧🇪 🇯🇵
— Kieran Dooley (@KieranDooley_) July 2, 2018
That was an amazing game from Belgium and Japan! All 5 goals in 2nd half with last goal near end of injury time. Still trying to figure out how Vertonghen scored that header- seems impossible. #BELJPN #WorldCup
— Michael Lackey (@mlacknomics) July 2, 2018
Vertonghen meant that header and I won’t listen to anyone that says he didn’t! 😂😂😂
— John Hall (@JohnHall1985) July 2, 2018
The Spurs defender’s goal also made the history books, becoming the longest-ranged recorded header in World Cup history.
The goal was exactly what Belgium needed to revive their hopes of progressing, and kicked off what was to be one of the great matches.
A last-minute goal Nacer Chadli capped a remarkable fightback for Belgium as they dumped Japan out of the World Cup in thrilling, not to mention historic, fashion .
After a turgid first half in Rostov, Monday’s last 16 tie sparked into life after the break.
Goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui gave Japan a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead, as Belgium’s World Cup chances appeared to evaporate.
Coach Roberto Martinez shuffled his deck, however, and after a freak goal from Jan Vertonghen, substitute Marouane Fellaini stepped up with a header to level the tie.
And in the final seconds, a slick counter from the Red Devils ended with Chadli, also a substitute, slotting home into the net to book a quarter-final meeting with Brazil.
Not since Portugal in 1966 has a team come back from two goals down to win a game in the final phases; Eusebio’s men on that occasion recovering to defeat North Korea in the quarter-final stage.
With Omnisport.