Quarter-Finals 2: Brazil v Belgium, 6th July, 7pm(GMT)

[Abertawe]

It's not their defence, their superstar players just aren't all that. Neymar, willian, coutinho are much inferior to their past peers.

 

[Pagnell]

None of this means Jack Shit. France are going to beat whoever wins this.

 

[JJ1532]

Superb half.

Can't believe how arrogant Brazil have been, shown zero respect to Belgium's front 3, given them so much time and space to counter. You'd have thought after being picked apart by Germany 4 years ago that they would have learned, but clearly not.

I’ve said this so many times, a team will turn this Brazil defence over again, they’re so average. They give you acres of space, even Costa Rica found this out. You get found out if you don’t improve.

But this is what I don't understand, look at the individuals they have. One from Real Madrid, one from Atletico, one from PSG. Good players playing for excellent teams. In front of them, you have Paulinho and Fernandinho, from Man City and Barcelona. But together as a team, they are shite.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

It's not their defence, their superstar players just aren't all that. Neymar, willian, coutinho are much inferior to their past peers.

It’s everything. The defence and midfield is all over the place and the attacking players can’t dominate the game. Belgium look shaky at the back too, but Brazil aren’t taking advantage.

 

[Jockney]

Lukaku — take a bow. Amazing first 45.

 

[G-Dragon]

Bring Firmino on at the start of second half and Brazil will turn this around.

 

[Abertawe]

It’s everything. The defence and midfield is all over the place and the attacking players can’t dominate the game. Belgium look shaky at the back too, but Brazil aren’t taking advantage.

Belgium aren't shaky at the back - that's a lazy fallicy. Set pieces they're weakish but in general play they're solid.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

But this is what I don't understand, look at the individuals they have. One from Real Madrid, one from Atletico, one from PSG. Good players playing for excellent teams. In front of them, you have Paulinho and Fernandinho, from Man City and Barcelona. But together as a team, they are shite.

Marcelo is pretty terrible defensively, he’s an attack minded player. Thiago Silva is a strong defender, but he’s not great 1v1. I’ve seen nothing in Miranda that tells me he’s a good defender, but I’ve not seen him often and Fagner keeps on getting ripped to shreds. They can’t defend corners which is just basics. I rate Fernandinho, but he’s on his own in there as Paulinho is also more attack minded. There’s just no urgency to attempt to close the gaps from Brazil. Big second half, but for me, they’ve not improved from 4 years ago.

 

[Super_horns]

I bet Neymar and co won't be rolling around so much now unless its in the penalty area.

Strong impressive performance from Belgium so far.

Showing why they didn't mind facing the Samba boys.

 

[Jockney]

Marcelo is pretty terrible defensively, he’s an attack minded player. Thiago Silva is a strong defender, but he’s not great 1v1. I’ve seen nothing in Miranda that tells me he’s a good defender, but I’ve not seen him often and Fagner keeps on getting ripped to shreds. They can’t defend corners which is just basics. I rate Fernandinho, but he’s on his own in there as Paulinho is also more attack minded. There’s just no urgency to attempt to close the gaps from Brazil. Big second half, but for me, they’ve not improved from 4 years ago.

Second goal summed it up. Lukaku allowed to run right through midfield. Two closest Brazilian players unwilling to take a booking. Belgium score.

 

[Pagnell]

Lukaku......Powerhouse!

*pushed off the ball.

 

[Pagnell]

Love how the referee treated that piece of shit then.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Why have refs stopped booking players who dive? So frustrating.

 

[Jockney]

TBh that Jesus one is a pen

 

[Pagnell]

That is a penalty.

 

[Jockney]

Oh shit — how is that not a pen?

 

[JJ1532]

Belgium have suddenly realised they are beating Brazil and a World Cup semi-final spot is on the line and shit themselves.

 

[Pagnell]

Happy it wasn't given but it was a penalty.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Not for me that one. Kompany was silly, but Jesus dragged his leg and had already ran the ball out.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Why did Brazil take Willian off? They have no width and Belgium are content to defend deep and prevent them playing through the middle.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Why did Brazil take Willian off? They have no width and Belgium are content to defend deep and prevent them playing through the middle.

I quite like Douglas Costa, he’s quick and direct. The quality from the others has been severely lacking though so far.

 

[JJ1532]

People keep saying Lukaku has been good, but 3 or 4 times, he's blown decent attacks due to bad touches or bad decision making.

 

[JJ1532]

Replay clearly shows Hazard being kicked in the ankle. Danny Murphy: "Don't think there is much in that".

 

[Steve_Wafc]

People keep saying Lukaku has been good, but 3 or 4 times, he's blown decent attacks due to bad touches or bad decision making.

He has been good, but he’s also been classic Lukaku. World beater at times, powerful running, good hold up play, unselfish work, but then the other times it’s like he’s never seen a football before.

 

[Bobbin']

He looked ok in the first half, nothing more.

Been his usual self this half though, literally just ran out of play a minute ago.

 

[Pagnell]

Brazil couldn't score tonight if they played for 6 hours.

 

[JJ1532]

Game on. Lovely ball from Neymar. Very similar to Messi for Aguero.

 

[Pagnell]

Brazil couldn't score tonight if they played for 6 hours.

Pffffft.

 

[Jockney]

Brazil couldn't score tonight if they played for 6 hours.

Good timing mate
Beautiful assist Coutinho

 

[JJ1532]

Brazil couldn't score tonight if they played for 6 hours.