Brazil test for Belgium’s golden generation 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
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.