World Cup 2018: 4 Things Brazil need to do to win against Belgium

The quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup are finally upon us and there are a few mouth-watering clashes in store. The match between Brazil and Belgium tops the list. The showdown in Kazan has all the ingredients to be a ‘match for the ages’ as the game would see the second-ranked team in the world fight it out against the third-ranked team.

Brazil enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory against Mexico in the Round of 16. Though Brazil were under the cosh at the start, they found a way to weather that storm and emerge victorious. Neymar and Firmino came up with the goals while Willian put in a man of the match display. The Brazilians also looked solid defensively and were able to repel everything Mexico threw at them.

Belgium, on the other hand, pulled off a miraculous comeback against Japan to win 3-2. The Japanese scored two goals within the space of five minutes to gain the upper hand. But, Belgium came roaring back and drew parity with goals from Vertonghen and Fellaini. In stoppage time, Chadli put the icing on the cake and extinguished Japan’s hopes of progressing.

Brazil have been solid in their games till now, having conceded just a solitary goal while they have been efficient going forward. A return of seven goals scored in four games is not something to be laughed at. However, Belgium represents the toughest proposition that Brazil has tackled yet.

Through this article, we would look at a few things that Brazil need to do to inch a step closer to the ‘Hexa’.

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#1 Keep Hazard quiet

Hazard has been Belgium's best player in the tournament

Eden Hazard, the Belgium captain, has been in sparkling form in Russia. He has been pulling the strings for Belgium and has gotten himself on the scoresheet twice. He has also bagged two assists on the way. None of the teams till now have been able to neutralize the ‘Hazard threat’.

Fagner would most probably start as the right-back for Brazil and he would have his hands full tackling Hazard. In the game against Mexico, Carlos Vela got a lot of change out of Fagner. Fagner represents Brazil’s weakest link and Belgium would want to make full use of it.

A probable solution would be to ask Fagner to not venture too far forward and get caught out. He would also need to be very tight to Hazard and not offer him space. If Hazard is afforded space in the attacking third, it is a recipe for disaster.

Hazard is one of the best 1v1 attackers. Hence, the Brazilians need to track back and ensure that such a situation is not created. Fernandinho, Paulinho and Willian would have a huge role to play.

If Hazard is kept quiet, Brazil would fancy their chances of getting through. However, if Hazard is able to pull the strings and make the play, the consequences for Brazil would be ‘hazardous’.

#2 Play the ball quicker to Gabriel Jesus

Brazil must utilize Jesus' pace

Gabriel Jesus hasn’t yet scored at the World Cup, though his performances have been encouraging. He creates space for Neymar and Coutinho by running into channels and dragging defenders. Against Belgium, Jesus would be up against his Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.

Kompany did not start any of the group games but was a part of the starting eleven against Japan. Kompany has been plagued by injuries for a while and it has started to affect his game. Though his game-reading is as good as ever, he has lost a yard of pace. Against Japan, he was solid for the majority of the game and looked shaky only when there were quick turnovers in possession.

Jesus possesses pace in abundance and has the ability to cause Kompany and the Belgium defence-line problems. Jesus’ biggest asset is his direct running and he would fancy his chances of beating Kompany in a foot-race. Belgium play a very high line and there is bound to be space to exploit. If Brazil are to make the most of this situation, they need to play the ball quicker to Jesus and let him run into the space behind the defence.

If Neymar and Coutinho can find Jesus with an early ball, it would spell trouble for Belgium. An early goal scored by Jesus would surely put a cat among the pigeons for the Belgians.

#3 Attack Belgium’s left side

Willian will have to deliver the goods against Belgium

Belgium like to play with three at the back with Meunier and Carrasco operating as wing-backs. While Meunier plays as the right wing-back, Carrasco is tasked with patrolling the left side. Though Carrasco is a wonderful player going forward, he is not that adept defensively.

The back three would consist of Alderweireld, Kompany and Vertonghen. Vertonghen plays as the left centre-back and is the most vulnerable of the three. He is a little error-prone and his error led to Japan taking the lead against Belgium. Therefore, it is essential that Brazil attack this side of Belgium’s defence.

Willian would start on the right side of Brazil’s attack. He was sensational against Mexico and Brazil would hope that he carries the same form to Kazan. Willian’s biggest attributes are his trickery and explosive running. Carrasco doesn’t like tracking back and if Willian can exploit that weakness, Brazil could end up with a huge advantage.

In addition to this, if Willian is able to keep Carrasco pinned in his own half, it would cut out an avenue of Belgium’s attack. Hazard likes to drift in-field and the width is provided by Carrasco. If Carrasco is not able to provide the width, Belgium’s play would be very narrow. This would make Brazil’s task of keeping Belgium out, much easier.

The matchup between Willian and Carrasco has the potential to be a game-changer. If Willian is able to come out on top, Brazil would be on their way to a second consecutive World Cup semi-final.

#4 Defend set-pieces well

The centre-back duo will have to be on their toes during set-pieces

Brazil have found stability ever since Tite took over the reins. They have kept clean sheets in nineteen of the last twenty-five games they have played. If they are to keep another clean sheet against Belgium, it is imperative that they defend well from corners and free-kicks.

Belgium have good headers of the ball and they possess a height advantage over Brazil. With the likes of Alderweireld, Fellaini, Kompany, Lukaku, Meunier, Vertonghen and Witsel, they represent a significant threat from set-pieces. In the game against Japan, they scored two of their goals via headers.

With Casemiro ineligible to play, Brazil would be at a ‘height disadvantage’. They would have to make sure that they do not give the Belgians any chances to pounce upon in the box. Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda have a crucial role to play in organizing the defence and standing firm when the Belgians turn up the heat.

A cheap goal conceded from a corner or a free-kick would be the last thing the Brazilians would want. If Brazil are to advance to Saint Petersburg, they would need to offset the Belgian aerial threat.