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

[JJ1532]

Once the last 16 was known, this was the quarter final we all predicted.

Brazil seemed a little shaky early doors against Mexico, but seemed to get stronger and finish well. Neymar will once again take the attention and they should feel optimistic about facing the Belgium defence. They have also looked strong at the back, letting in just 1 goal in 4 games, keeping 3 straight clean sheets in the process.

As for Belgium, they'll have to be a lot better than they were against Japan. They looked a badly flawed team until a lucky looping header gave them a lift. Should they abandon their tippy tappy approach and go more direct? Should Chadli and Fellaini start after their impact against Japan? Feel like they need a new approach.

So, can Belgium pull off an upset and beat what must now be the tournament favourites? Or will Brazil march on?

 

[Abertawe]

Bad boy game this - can't wait.

 

[SALTIRE]

Aye should be a belter. Belgium will give those samba bastards a game, but no doubt Marcelo or Neymar will roll around and get someone sent off when it gets nippy sweety time.

3 - 2 to Brazil

 

[valefan16]

Brazil to win comfortably here... Belgium are just way too open, against Japan time and time again they played the cross field pass and got in behind down the flanks... Brazil would destroy them if they allow that to happen again.

Belgium I think will rue beating England here and not being more tactical in terms of the tournament.

 

[Abertawe]

Can we not poll up the op?

 

[TomPNE94]

Can we not poll up the op?

Yes we can

 

[rudebwoyben]

I wonder if this will be reminiscent of Brazil in 2010 who looked invulnerable up to the Quarter-Finals but were then prised open by the Dutch?

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Depends on which sides turn up. Brazil still flatter to deceive for me, but they keep limping forward. Belgium look good in spells and then absolutely hopeless the rest of the time, especially defensively in midfield. Lukaku needs to turn up this time, he can cause that vulnerable shaky defence all kinds of problems. Hope it’s a cracker of a game, but not expecting one.

 

[JimJams]

Fellaini forearm there. Lad knew what he was doing.

 

[JJ1532]

Shocking miss from Thiago Silva. Got to score.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Belgium’s central defence doesn’t look that secure!

 

[JJ1532]

There's the Fellaini we know and love. Flying elbows and a terrible shot attempt when Hazard should have been played in.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Neither team seems to know how to defend corners!

 

[Jockney]

Neither side can defend to save their lives. This could be a cracker.

 

[Jockney]

Neither team seems to know how to defend corners!

Snap!

 

[JimJams]

Neither team seems to know how to defend corners!

Ducking hell we'll piss on them then.

 

[JJ1532]

Lol, superb defending from Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho. Jesus seems to duck whilst it hits Fernandinho on the arm. What were they doing? Did one shout to the other to leave it?

 

[Pagnell]

There aren't many teams I'd want to lose against Belgium and their shit manager but Brazil is one of them.

 

[Abertawe]

Go on the Belgium boys. Brazil are shit.

 

[JJ1532]

Brazil showing similar issues to their 2014 game against Germany, namely being incredibly wide open. Belgium showing similar flaws to their game with Japan. Could end up 4-4 by full time.

 

[JimJams]

Lukaku is shit isn't he?

 

[JimJams]

KDB is class.

 

[JJ1532]

Been coming that. First bit of attacking quality Belgium have showed. Brazil looking as horribly open as they did 4 years ago. Learned nothing it seems.

 

[Pagnell]

Pffffffft. Bye bye!

 

[Renegade]

Hopefully this puts to rest the myth of Lukaku not being a big game player. He's been selfless in this tournament and contributed hugely to general play on top of his 4 goals.

What a fucking goal.

 

[GodsGift]

Lukaku is shit isn't he?

No.

Belgium are having so much joy in the space left in behind Marcelo. He's superb going forward but I'd have kept Filipe Luis in there, he's more balanced and he's done well since coming in.

 

[JimJams]

Is too.

 

[dedwardp]

I wonder if this will be reminiscent of Brazil in 2010 who looked invulnerable up to the Quarter-Finals but were then prised open by the Dutch?

No, because Brazil haven't looked anything special so far this tournament.

 

[Renegade]

Funny how much better Belgium have been with Fellaini in there, KDB has been freed.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

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.