Brazil vs Belgium: Match Preview
Brazil and Belgium will face off in Kazan on Friday night in what could be one of the games of the tournament.
Both teams arrived in Russia with high expectations, and have both amazed and frustrated in equal parts. Brazil have scored 7 goals while only conceding 1, with a streak of 3 consecutive 2-0 wins continuing with a comfortable win over Mexico in the round of 16, although uncertain performances against Switzerland and Costa Rica mean the pre-tournament favourites will be taking nothing for granted.
For their part, Belgium have netted 12 times but have conceded 4, including 2 in their scintillating comeback win over Japan in the round of 16. The Red Devils looked shaky in the first hour of that game, and will need to change their tactics around if they are to avoid going behind early against what has been a stingy Brazil defence.
For the Seleção, Casemiro is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, but manager Tite has the luxury of being able to pick Man City’s Fernandinho to deputise. Defensively, Marcelo has recovered from an episode of back spasms, and will likely return to the regular back four alongside Fagner, Thiago Silva and Miranda. Brazil have not conceded many goals under Tite but they have looked suspect at times in Russia, and Belgium’s talented strikers will ruthlessly punish any mistakes.
The only other selection dilemma for the South Americans will be choosing between Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, who has made positive impact coming from the bench multiple times, whereas Jesus has mustered just 1 shot on target despite starting four games. Firmino certainly seems more capable of bringing the best out of Neymar (who has infuriated and amazed) and former team-mate Coutinho, although Tite may opt to keep him on the bench as a game-changer if necessary.
Belgium have no real injury concerns to speak of, and their only pressing issue is the defensive fragility and lack of creativity they showed before mounting their comeback against Japan. Yannick Carrasco, in particular, looked careless in possession and was caught out too often, looking out of place in the unfamiliar position of wingback. And Kevin de Bruyne, one of the world’s best creative players, was playing much too deep at times, and was unable to control the game and create chances as he normally would.
If Roberto Martinez can prove his critics wrong and get Belgium playing cohesively, they are among the best teams at this tournament. Brazil by far have more pedigree at this stage of the World Cup, but history has accounted for precious little in Russia, as the likes of Spain, Germany and Portugal will attest to.
Brazil seem to be playing better as a unit, and do have a shade more talent than this Belgium team, so I’d expect them to win. Ultimately, though, this is set to be a close game between two tournament favourites, with some of the world’s best players on display, on a Friday night, with a World Cup semi-final at stake. What more could you ask for?
When: Friday 6th June, 19:00pm
Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan
TV: BBC1
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Belgium