Brazil test for Belgium’s golden generation Teammates pin hopes on skipper Hazard’s skills
ON THEIR TOES Often found out in big matches, Red Devils’ mettle will be tested by Neymar & Co in the quarters tonight
KAZAN: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has admitted he has no secrets as he plots to end Brazil’s bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup ahead of their “dream” quarter-final in Kazan on Friday.
But the nation’s “Golden Generation” have been reminded that the match against the favourites could represent the last chance for them to shine on the world stage.
“It’s a dream match for our players,” Martinez told Belgian press after sealing qualification for the last eight.
“There won’t be many secrets to the game. We have to defend as well as we can and then punish them when we have the ball.”
On paper, a Belgium side containing the talents of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have the potential to cause a World Cup upset. But despite sailing through the group stage, Martinez’s side have their work cut out if they are to go all the way to the July 15 final in Moscow.
Despite scoring nine times in wins over Panama (3-0), Tunisia (5-2) and England (1-0) before the Japan game, Belgium will have to lift their game significantly to beat a well-drilled Brazil side increasingly dancing to the tune of star forward Neymar.
Neymar signalled he had well and truly put a recent injury layoff behind him with an incisive performance in a 2-0 win over Mexico in Samara, where he scored the opener and set up Roberto Firmino for his maiden World Cup goal.
Even more is expected from Neymar, whose pace, technique and all-round vision allied to Willian’s slick movement gave Brazil another dimension.
For all Brazil’s attacking riches, Belgium’s biggest problem could be piercing a robust defence that has conceded just once, in their 1-1 opening draw with Switzerland.
Brazil centre-back pairing Joao Miranda and Thiago Silva have been solid and will aim to keep it that way as the five-time champions target a place in the semi-finals and a match with either France or Uruguay.
“We’re progressing, that’s evident,” Silva said after their win over Mexico. “It was a complicated match against a dangerous side, but we were solid.”
TITE WANTS TO AVOID PENALTIES
He’s (Hazard) got extraordinary qualities, does things other players cannot. And you don’t just run him over. He’s very strong on his feet so it’s difficult to take the ball off him.
THOMAS MEUNIER,
Belgium defender
Brazil coach Tite said on Thursday that he is desperate to avoid the “horror” lottery of penalties.
“A football match should never be settled with the horror of penalties. I don’t see that as a valid result,” Tite told a packed press conference. “For me, there has to be another way.”
He added: “If I seem more relaxed, it’s because the players have put me in this position by playing better,” said Tite.
The coach highlighted a number of reasons Belgium should fear his team — their speed on the counter-attack, ability to produce magic as well as a miserly defence that has conceded just a single goal in Russia.
two of the best midfielders — Phillipe Coutinho and Kevin De Bruyne. Coutinho has had comparatively better outings in Russia than De Bruyne but the latter can take solace from the fact that he played a crucial role in creating Belgium’s winner against Japan.
that De Bruyne gains confidence from Fagner Venue: Kazan Arena, Kazan Silva Fernandinho Paulinho Willian Miranda Firmino
the teams in this department. While Brazil have Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Willian, Belgium boast of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens in their frontline.
the Brazilian charge, inspiring them to a 2-0 win over Mexico in the round of 16 but there are concerns over the effectiveness of Jesus, who has started all four games but hasn’t found the back of the net yet.
Lukaku, who is in contention for the Golden Boot with four goals, is in the form of his life and will hope to continue his good run. Hazard has been often been criticised for being ineffective in big games and he would like to prove his ditractors wrong. Marcelo Coutinho Neymar that and puts on a stellar performance in the quarter-final.
Brazil are putting better defensive displays to protect their backline, something the Belgians have failed to do. The Samba Boys will miss Casemiro, who is out because of suspension, but they have an able replacement in Fernandinho. Belgium will hope Alex Witsel plays to his potential. Capacity: 45,000 Alderweireld
De Bruyne Witsel Meunier Chadli Mertens Kompany Vertonghen Lukaku Hazard enjoy an upper hand in this department with their backline putting in a much better show compared to their rivals. Centre-backs
(in pic) and
Joao Miranda have been so solid that Brazil have conceded only one goal in the tournament.
about Belgium as only Vincent Kompany, who was consistent after starting the Japan game while Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have showed signs of weakness when put under pressure.
to separate between the two goalkeepers with Alisson and Thibaut
Courtois making some impressive saves. Neymar really seems to be coming into his own as evident by his showing against Mexico. Belgium right-back Meunier, teammates with Neymar at PSG, will be tasked with containing the forward. Meunier though admitted: “I do not know how to stop Neymar.” Matches Goals
Shots
Total passes
Pass completion Goals conceded Tackles NIZHNY NOVGOROD: Eden Hazard leads his team into Friday’s quarter-final against Brazil on a stage built to showcase his talent but whether Belgium get the full benefit of his mercurial ability is to be seen.
Hazard is undoubtedly one of the stars of the tournament in Russia and at 27-years-old, wearing the captain’s armband, at the peak of his powers. But there is always a nagging doubt that when the going gets tough, the attacking midfielder might once again prove anonymous. It happened at the last World Cup in Brazil and two years ago at the European Championship when Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ stood on the brink of delivering on their potential but then imploded.
In the 2014 quarter-final against Argentina he drifted out of the game and was replaced after 75 ineffective minutes as Lionel Messi won their head-tohead in a 1-0 Argentina victory.
Two years later, the stage was set for him to lead Belgium past outsiders Wales in the Euro quarter-finals but, in the face of determined defending, he faded when it mattered most and drifted out of the game with a shock 3-1 loss.
Hazard is admired for his attacking flair, ability to run at defences and finishing but it is his maverick genius that sets him apart. “Ice baths, massages, he doesn’t really do all that stuff,” team mate Marouane Fellaini in a recent TV documentary over Hazard. Michy Batshuayi told of his amazement when Hazard went to the Chelsea gym for the first time — four years after he first signed for the club.
It all comes easy to Hazard, rarely bothered by the pressure and expectation. That supposed indifference was often a cause of irritation for managers like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. But Belgium see what he is capable of and have placed their faith firmly in him.
“He’s a not a natural leader like Kompany but rather a leader who shows through example on the field,” fullback Thomas Meunier said last month. “He’s got extraordinary qualities, does things other players cannot. And you don’t just run him over. He’s very strong on his feet so it’s difficult to take the ball off him. I think he’s the complete player.”
Ominously for Brazil, his team-mates believe Hazard is in the form of his life and ready to deliver. “I’ve known him for years and the way he has trained and played over the last weeks has been exceptional,” said goalkeeper Thibault Courtois. Which player will score the first goal in today's match between Uruguay and France?