World Cup 2018: The yellow card situation ahead of the quarter-finals

#2 Brazil vs Belgium

Both Neymar and Coutinho run a risk of missing the semis

Brazil already have Casemiro suspended for the quarterfinals, and will most likely play Fernandinho as the defending midfielder. In addition to that, they also have a potential huge risk to their creative force - both Coutinho and Neymar having already earned a yellow.

Both Coutinho and Neymar received their yellow against Costa Rica in the same minute - for dissent and lashing out in frustration. Against a Belgian side that will certainly make them work hard for a win, they have to keep their tempers in check.

Neymar is more prone to taking a hit, and considering his injury last time around that forced him to miss the semis, he will not want to face the same fate again. Also taking into account his fondness for simulation, Neymar is one dumb move away from missing out.

Another Brazil player who is at risk of suspension is Felipe Luis, but he is not an assured starter for the team, and there is not much to worry about him.

De Bruyne is one yellow card away from a suspension

Belgium on the other hand have 5 players at risk of suspension. Key among them are Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen and Kevin De Bruyne.

Belgium cannot afford to sit them out for the quarters, and will definitely play all of them. The only possible option is to swap Vertonghen out for Vermaelen now that Kompany is fit, but it is not a chance you take against Brazil.

Two defenders having a yellow already could come to bite Belgium, as it makes the option of a tactical yellow all the more difficult. Belgium also has Tielemans and Dendoncker on yellows, but they are significantly less worrying when compared to the other three.