Brazil v Belgium
Date: July 6 (Friday), 23:30 IST
Venue: Kazan
How they got there Brazil have improved as the tournament has progressed. After being held by Switzerland they won Group E by beating Costa Rica and Serbia, before Neymar and Roberto Firmino were on target in their 2-0 win over Mexico in the second round.The Selecao have not looked back since the two late goals against Costa Rica. With Coutinho emerging as one of the leading contenders for player of the tournament, they are hitting top gear. Their 2-0 win against a spirited Mexican side in the round of 16 once again highlighted their defensive solidity, despite losing their first-choice wingbacks in Marcelo and Danillo.
Belgium scored nine goals in winning Group G and then came from two down to beat Japan 3-2 in the last 16 thanks to Nacer Chadli’s stoppage-time winner.After romping through their group-stage fixtures with three wins out of three, the golden generation of the Red Devils were staring down the barrel against Japan in Rostov when a familiar knockout exit seemed imminent. But they produced a comeback that will be spoken about for many a year, to win 3-2 and break Japan’s hearts.
Previous meetings The positive omen for Brazil here is that the last time they won the World Cup in 2002 they defeated Belgium in the second round, with Rivaldo and Ronaldo both scoring.
Prediction Belgium will feel fate might be on their side after their fightback against Japan. But Brazil looked impressive against Mexico, and with Neymar getting fitter and more effective with every outing, the Belgians should be concerned. Brazil to go through 3-1 and move closer to that sixth world title.
What to expect:
Arguably the most exciting fixture of the World Cup so far. Under Tite, Brazil have steadily gathered steam from their opening-game disappointment against Switzerland. So has Neymar, who is now seemingly back to full match fitness after struggling for the first couple of games.
While the defence will be an area of concern for Roberto Martinez, they come into this fixture high on confidence, knowing they have the character to turn around a tough situation, an exciting encounter of free-flowing attacking game awaits football fans.