Brazil takes on Belgium in the second quarterfinal of the 2018 World Cup at Kazan Arena on Friday, July 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The match is a broadcaster’s dream with the likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho taking on Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. It’ll be a high-octane affair with the winner moving on to Saint Petersburg to play either France or Uruguay in the semifinals.
Brazil vs Belgium Prediction, Team News, Tactics And Preview
Belgium’s road to the quarterfinals has been exceptionally strange. The Red Devils did what was expected of them in thrashing Panama and Tunisia by a combined scoreline of 8-2, but the final group stage match against England was a total nonevent featuring two B teams. Belgium’s win there has landed it Brazil in the quarters while England gets Sweden.
Following group play, Belgium went 2-0 down to Japan — considered by many to be the worst team in the Round of 16 — by the 52nd minute. Takashi Inui’s wonder goal flipped a switch in Belgium, and the equalizing goal was found by the 74th minute. Japan very obviously had no clue how to defend a lead, but Belgium’s fightback was admirable and complete when Nacer Chadli finished off a brilliant team goal with the last kick of regular time.
#MundialTelemundo @NChadli le da la vuelta al marcador y pone a #BEL en cuartos de final. pic.twitter.com/2XWtpYJP5Q
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 2, 2018
For all the brilliance of Lukaku, Hazard and De Bruyne, questions are still being asked of the defense — is this side too top heavy?
For Brazil, the world still seems to be getting used to the idea of a Selecao side that doesn’t dictate matches with its beautiful flow of play, but rather one that looks extremely solid and decides games within a couple crucial (and, to be fair, usually quite skillful) moments.
The draw with Switzerland was a stumble, but the two late goals against Costa Rica led to a relatively comfortable win over Serbia, followed by another 2-0 win over Mexico. The fact Mexico landed only one shot on target against Brazil paints a pretty accurate picture of the team that Tite has set up.
In attack, Neymar and Coutinho can be relied on to deliver those crucial, game changing moments.
Brazil Team News, Injuries And Suspensions
The bad news for Brazil is that Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro will miss the match through yellow card suspension. The good news is that his backup is Manchester City star Fernandinho. According to manager Tite’s original timeframe, Neymar should be rounding into 100 percent match fitness after the lengthy metatarsal fracture layoff, but he’s obviously suffered his fair share of knocks this tournament (some heavier than others).
With regards to the starting XI, there’s a strong call for Roberto Firmino to replace Gabriel Jesus in the lineup. Jesus is without a goal in 349 minutes of play whereas Firmino hopped off the bench to score against Mexico.
Belgium Team News, Injuries And Suspensions
Belgium is healthy and without any suspensions heading into the quarters, but the 2-0 hole that the Red Devils fell into before the introductions of Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli has raised questions concerning Roberto Martinez’s best XI.
Brazil Key Players
Neymar (LW): Coutinho’s play has been a hot topic of conversation, especially since he’s not been guilty of the same theatrics that have dominated the discussion surrounding Neymar, but the PSG attacker perfectly demonstrated his importance in the win over Mexico with a goal and an assist. With Belgium’s attacking intent, Neymar will receive the ball in space and in one-on-one situations. He could dominate this one.
Fernandinho (CDM): Casemiro has started all four games in the defensive mid position, relegating Fernandinho to just four substitute appearances totaling 66 minutes. However, Casemiro is now suspended and Fernandinho comes in to shield the back four from Hazard, Mertens and De Bruyne. He’ll need to hit the ground running.
Thiago Silva (CB): If you’re not excited to watch Lukaku vs. Silva, what are you even doing in this article?
Belgium Key Players
Romelu Lukaku (ST): With four goals this tournament, Lukaku is right in the mix for the Golden Boot. The Manchester United striker didn’t score against Japan, but his dummy for Chadli’s winner was just obscene. If he can command the attention of both Miranda and Thiago Silva, then Hazard and Dries Mertens should be able to find joy against Brazil’s backline.
Thomas Meunier (RWB): The PSG defender will go toe-to-toe with club teammate Neymar, and that’ll be a defining battle in the game. Apart from defending, Meunier will have a massive opportunity to get forward in the space vacated by Neymar and Coutinho. Meunier already has two assists at this tournament, and he could certainly add to that total.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM): The midfield duel pits Fernandinho and Paulinho against De Bruyne and Axel Witsel — it should be fantastic, especially the battle between the Manchester City teammates. We saw the brilliance of De Bruyne in Belgium’s game-winner against Japan, and the PL Playmaker of the Season could certainly dictate this quarterfinal.
Brazil vs Belgium Prediction
Brazil 3 - 1 Belgium
This Brazil side is rock solid. Belgium’s going to struggle to find openings here while also exposing themselves to Neymar, Coutinho and Willian.
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