Brazil bank on sound defence
Kazan, July 5: To get past Belgium in the quarterfinals at the World Cup, Brazil have to do something they have not been able to do since they last won the tournament in 2002 — overcome European opposition in the knockout stages.
Since beating Germany 20 in the 2002 World Cup final, the five-time winners have been eliminated by European sides in the three subsequent competitions. Brazil lost to France and the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the semifinals four years ago at home.
Fortunately for the Selecao, Belgium have a poor record against South American sides at the World Cup. Not only have Belgium not won any of their games against South American teams in the knockout stages, they haven’t even managed to score a goal. Most recently, Belgium lost 0-1 to Argentina in the 2014 quarterfinals.
The core of that side remains in place in Russia, where Belgium have won all four of their matches, including coming back from 0-2 down to beat Japan in the Round of 16 with a thrilling counter attack in the final seconds of injury time.
Everyone knew about the array of talent running through the Belgium side, from Thibaut Courtois in goal to Kevin De Bruyne in midfield and Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku up front.
Unlike the game against Japan, coach Roberto Martinez said, Belgium will be the underdog in the quarterfinal against Brazil and as such should play with a certain amount of freedom. “I think it’s a game that when you are a little boy, you dream of being involved in a World Cup, facing Brazil in a quarterfinal,” he said.
Brazil coach Tite dismissed talk that his team is the favourite to win the match against Belgium, let alone the World Cup. “Everything is open, up for grabs,”
he said.
Though Brazil are yet to hit the heights on the attacking front, they and Uruguay have been the meanest defenses in the competition, conceding just one goal apiece in four matches.
Brazilian forward Neymar will likely garner much of the attention during the match, both for his skills and speed as well as his on-field theatrics. Neymar will have to be careful not to pick up another booking as he would miss a semifinal should Brazil prevail. Others walking a tightrope are midfielder Philippe Coutinho and defender Filipe Luis.
For Belgium, defender Jan Vertonghen and De Bruyne are carrying yellow cards as well.