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

#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.