Brazil vs Belgium
The best nations remaining in the World Cup 2018 will meet in a mouthwatering last-eight clash that is more worthy of the final.
Brazil are back in the quarter-finals and will look to keep the momentum swinging in their favour as they try to finish what they failed to do four years ago. And with their biggest title rivals—Germany and Spain—crashing out of the tournament, Selecao’s motivation and confidence are undoubtedly at an all-time high.
On the other hand, Belgium are wearing the underdog tags for the first time in the FIFA 2018 competition.
The Belgians, with their so-called Golden Generation, are loaded enough to win the title, but Brazil pose the biggest challenge in their quest for glory—probably the biggest test they will encounter in the tournament.
Talking Points
Brazil have been nothing short of clinical, to say the least. They have now won three straight games with a 2-0 scoreline, and it sure looks like any team will have a hard time stopping their attack and scoring against them at the same time.
The Brazilians have already scored seven goals in the competition and haven’t conceded a goal since their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the opener. Paris Saint-German star Neymar and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho lead the offence for Selecao, having found the back of the net two times each.
Moreover, the stats show how brilliant they have been as a cohesive and complete unit. Four games into the competition and Brazil have only faced shots on target five times. All that while having 31 shots on target themselves!
The eye test and stat sheet paint a clear picture of how dominant the Brazilians have been, so it will certainly call for some strategic change in order for Belgium to shock a Brazil team on a mission.
Sure enough, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has plenty of talent at his disposal. His current squad is called Belgium’s “Golden Generation” after all.
In terms of talent and depth, it can be argued Belgium are at the same level as Brazil. They have an unstoppable striker in Romelu Lukaku who can force his way past opposing defences and to the net, while there is Kevin De Bruyne who can create for his teammates and score himself—though he is yet to put his name on the scoresheet.
Of course, who could forget about Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Thibaut Courtois?
Oh, and Belgium also have the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Adnan Januzaj, Thomas Vermaelen and Mousa Dembele ready to come off the bench for them!
Belgium are just as stacked as the Brazilians, a fact that makes this game even more compelling.
However, if there’s one issue Belgium need to address and work on immediately before facing Brazil, it is their defence.
While the Red Devils can be considered as one, if not the best attacking unit in the World Cup, defending remains of secondary importance. If anything, their display against Japan is clear proof they don’t value defence as much as their offence.
Indeed, they turned around a 0-2 deficit against the Samurai Blue and proved they have the mental strength of champions. Nonetheless, conceding two quick goals early in the second half and reversing the situation by scoring three will not work against other powerhouses. Not against Brazil anyway.
Martinez, in a recent statement, pretty much summed up the tough task that awaits them when they face Brazil at the Kazan Arena.
“When you play against Brazil you need to understand they are the best team in the World Cup,” the Belgium boss said. “So we have to have a real understanding of how to play against a team like that—a team with players like Neymar and Coutinho who can decide a game in one second.”
History
World Cup 2018 predictions point to a Brazil victory, and history backs it up as well.
In the four meetings between these two teams, Belgium won just once while Brazil dominated the other three. The last time the Belgians reigned victorious was in 1963, their very first meeting.
Brazil have won three straight since then, the latest a 2-0 drubbing in the 2002 World Cup. Interestingly, Selecao won the title that year.
However, while history suggests they are in for a tough time, Belgium shouldn’t be counted out. They are on a 23-game unbeaten streak and have won their last six outings in all competitions. And if there is any version of the Belgium team capable of breaking their “Brazilian curse,” it is this 2018 squad.
What are the odds?
One of the most probable World Cup 2018 results is a tight Brazil win, at least according to the SBOBET odds.
The Brazilians are pegged to win with 1X2 odds that pay out at 2.15 while Belgium are at 3.35. In Asian Handicap betting, Selecao are given a -0.25 handicap at 1.82, with the Red Devils at 2.12 for the +0.25 headstart—suggesting it could well end up a close encounter.
Don’t expect plenty of goals as well. Total Goal 2-3 is at 1.90 and Under 2.75 at 1.65.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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