Lukaku looks to exploit defence of the favourites

BELGIUM’S Romelu Lukaku last night said that Brazil’s defence ‘can be taken’ in today’s World Cup quarter-final and that his team have been working on a way of exploiting it. The struggles of right-back Fagner in this tournament create a big opportunity for captain Eden Hazard, though the Manchester United striker — who was animated and upbeat during his press conference — said his team could not attack the Brazilians ‘in the usual way’. After Belgium’s arrival at the scene of today’s match was delayed by torrential rain, Lukaku said: ‘I believe, defensively, they can be taken — but the way in which you do it will have to vary. Three or four are experienced defenders, so you have to know how to attack. ‘We’ve trained for that, so we are really well prepared.’ Lukaku rejected claims that Neymar is a cheat who dives, saying: ‘Not for me, he is not an actor. The players who play against him are tough. I think he in the future will be the best player in the world and I’m happy that I’ll be going against him for a second time.’ Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was challenged on why he insisted Brazil were favourites and whether this showed a lack of belief on the part of the world’s third-ranked nation, against the second-ranked country. He said: ‘The difference (between us) is clear. The two sides are very similar in terms of quality. The difference is that we haven’t won a World Cup.’ Martinez believes his Belgium team are ready for the challenge of Brazil and says there is ‘something special’ about his squad. He feels his side, despite being stacked with individual talent, cannot be regarded as favourites because of their inexperience but he is convinced they can flourish. The former Everton boss said: ‘When you go into a tournament, if you don’t have that know-how of winning one, you can’t have an advantage on the opponent. ‘We shouldn’t be in awe of the opportunity we have. We need to enjoy our game, be ourselves. When we do that, our talent shows. ‘There is something special in this squad, no doubt about it. The signs are positive and of a real desire to be on the football pitch. ‘We can’t wait. I feel we are as ready as we can be. Over the last two years, we have been working towards this moment.’ Belgium claimed their place in the quarter-finals by recovering from 2-0 down to beat Japan 3-2 in their last-16 tie with three goals in the last 21 minutes. Martinez said: ‘Against Japan, we showed a mentality that not many international squads have. ‘The biggest strength in the squad is we have different ways of attacking and different ways of using our players — and that is something that is important. ‘The substitutions against Japan were down to a mentality of the players being ready to make an impact. If we want to be successful against Brazil, we will need the same approach.’