World Cup 2018: 3 ways how Belgium can knock out Brazil

#2 Quick Counter-attacks

Will Belgium rely on Counter-attacks against Brazil?

Brazil is much more comfortable against teams that play an open game and leave spaces for their amazing offensive talent to exploit. Players like Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus can hurt any side with their individual brilliance in minutes.

However, the Selecao struggle when up against sides that sit deep in their half and close spaces as much as possible. Take for instance the game against Costa Rica in the group stage. The Ticos, by virtue of this strategy, were able to frustrate the samba boys for as long as 90 minutes and Roberto Martinez’s side should take a cue from the Costa Ricans.

This would help Belgium in two ways. One, it would imbue a sense of fear among the Brazilians.

And two, it would expose Brazil to Belgian counter-attacks.

They are better equipped than Mexico in this regard, so normally, have a higher chance of capitalising on these situations.

We have already seen how effective De Bruyne and co. are in counters, haven’t we? Just watch their deciding goal against Japan and you would know.