The round of 16 saw Belgium qualify through the eye of a needle for the quarter finals against an impressive Japan. The match had a total of five goals in it as Belgium defeated japan 3-2 to meet Brazil who had earlier sent Mexico packing with a 2-0 win.
The following are some key factors that could decide the match winner.
The round of 16 did expose some loopholes which each team can use to their advantage. This is the biggest quarter final fixture of the tournament and thus we are expecting fireworks. There are key areas which each team could exploit to win the game at any point in the match.
THE WING – BACKS
Belgium’s backline was visibly weak against the Japanese which leaves them with no choice other than to make some changes. Manager of Belgian side Roberto Martinez who made changes in his tactics readily shifted the blame from his tactics to his players.
Their previous match saw wingers play as far deep as the Japanese half which would really be a disaster if continued. Belgium’s offensive style of play has their back three exposed as Alderweireld and Vertonghen try to go up front. Thomas Meunier and Nacer Chadli will join the starting lineup at wing back positions.
FULL-BACKS
The Belgians can almost always conjure opportunities upfront, Martinez does have brilliant player he could look up to. They are very capable of wreaking havoc on the Brazilians, as they come up on the flanks with great support. When Meunier and Chadli decide to join the offense, Brazil could have some real threat in their own half.
The obvious weakness in Brazils back line up would be the second least experienced player,Fagner. Eden Hazard would be all over him in a flash, while Mertens comes up against Marcelo who just returned to the team after picking a knock against Serbia. After missing out on the Mexico game, this is going to be a real test but the Real Madrid man could very well be up to the task.
FACE-OFF
Top highlights of the just concluded English premier league season would include be clashes that involved Liverpool and Manchester city. And on Friday night Vincent Kompany comes up against Roberto Firminho yet again, the Brazilian earned himself a start in the lineup after he came from the bench to score the second goal against Mexico.
The concern for the Belgian team would be Kompany’s ability to keep the Brazilian quiet for the whole of 90 minute.
Roberto Firminho is pretty quick while company has played only 110 minutes of the tournament. We can also recall the Belgians poor roll in Liverpool’s 3-0 win in the champion’s league over City. This brings a lot of pressure on the man city skipper.
CASEMIRO ABSENT/ DE BRUYNE PRESENT
Man city’s KDB is yet to put up an elite performance to match his ratings, he is one of Belgium’s strongest weapons as we did see against japan. He was very vital in that win against the Asian side. With Casemiro out due to a second caution Fernandinho would be could up to match his man city team mate in midfield and this could be an opportunity to prove himself.
The main concern in midfield would be that Brazil has an overwhelming midfield presence and Belgium might just get sucked in. Martinez could as well introduce a player with a bit more edge as Witsel might not be able to standout.
LUKAKU AGAINST QUALITY OPPOSITION
It is no news that the Manchester United man is almost always made to disappear against the big teams. And showing just how good he could get against mostly poorer opposition. A trend that has seen him become a “BULLY” to those teams.
With Brazil being considered as the favorites of this tournament by many, Belgium aren’t expected to do much against the South Americans. However Russia 2018 keeps providing drama and the question on everyone’s lips would be
“CAN BELGIUM PULL A SURPRISE”?
BETTER YET, CAN LUKAKU WIN IT FOR THEM?
…fingers crossed
but in the end, i see both sides destroying each other..
My Tip is Both Teams To Score -YES
