Show their class
with seconds left. “That was the best half-hour of my life,” Chadli said. Roberto Martinez, the Belgium coach, now has a big tactical decision to make.
The former Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton manager has been faithful to a 3-4-3 formation but Japan exposed its defensive shortcomingsand even Panama and Tunisia had some brief success, getting in behind the space left by two attack-minded wingbacks, Thomas Meunier and Carrasco.
Martinez has not worked much on a 4-3-3 but it might be the logical solution if Belgium are to reduce the space in which Neymar and Willian can work, offer an ageing defence more protection and provide an extra body in midfield. Meunier was excellent against Japan but Carrasco was poor and will be lucky to play.
“I do think we may have to adjust our way of playing against Brazil – more sitting back and playing on the counter,” goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said. “Anyway, it is up to the coach to figure out how to play. I have faith in him.”
Hard to see Russia abandoning the approach that did for Spain. They will concede possession, sit deep and hope Croatia become
The Swedes had 36 per cent possession against Switzerland. They were solid, well-organised, dangerous from set-pieces and
De Bruyne has been critical of Martinez’s tactics in the past and hopes he gets it right in Kazan. “There are always lessons,” the Manchester City midfielder said.
Nonetheless, Courtois believes Brazil will watch the way Belgium reacted to being behind and realise they will also have their work cut out.
“Brazil will see we are strong physically, that we can go until the last minute,” Courtois added. “They are maybe the strongest team at the moment but we will do everything to win.” exhausted trying to break them down. But Spain did not have a playmaker at the peak of his powers.
Key man Luka Modric. A case for being the best player at the tournament, even taking into account the missed penalty. Always finds a way.
Prediction: Croatia 2-1