KALININGRAD, June 28 -- Belgium remained unbeaten in Russia World Cup as they defeated England in the Kaliningrad Stadium Thursday night and will face Japan in the knockout stage.

England, who have won only two knockout matches in the past three decades, reached the last 16 as runner-up to face Colombia.

Both teams had brilliant records in previous two rounds of group matches, which ensured them early tickets to the round of 16.

Level on points, goal difference and goals scored, Thursday's game would be decisive for the ranking.

The goal was scored in the 51st minute, as Adnan Januzaj cut in from the right, passed over Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose and thwacked a shot into the net.

England almost equalized 15 minutes later, with the dribbling Marcus Rashford facing Belgium's goalkeeper one-to-one. It was the best chance for England but the Manchester United striker had his shot right wide.

They went close against 10 minutes before the full-time stroke with a free-kick 27 meters from the goal. Rashford aimed at the top-right corner but the ball flew over the bar.

Then Ruben Loftus-Cheek blazed down the right, before curling the shot again over the bar.

When it came to stoppage time, Belgium nearly doubled the lead. Substitute Dries Mertens lashed a dipping strike which was palmed out by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The match was watched by close to 34,000 spectators in the tournament's westernmost destination.

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