2018 FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs Belgium - 3 key battles to watch out for

The 2018 FIFA World Cup has been quite an eventful one and filled with surprises at every round. The fans have witnessed world-class players like Ronaldo and Messi bow out of the World Cup. Hence, it has captured the attention of a large number of people all around the World. The 2nd quarter-final match between Brazil and Belgium will be played at the Kazan' Arena, and is expected to be an enthralling encounter between the two sides, who are top contenders at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Red Devils have been a dominant team, who have won all their matches in the World Cup so far. Having proved their mettle against Japan by coming from 0-2 down, to a 3-2 victory, Belgium is an adventurous and a difficult side to beat. Hence, Brazil will have to be at their best. Brazil has had a roller-coaster World Cup so far. Having progressed from a difficult group stage, the Selecaos were on song in the second-half against Mexico and comfortably beat them 2-0 in the Round of 16. They will start as favorites against Belgium due to their dominant performance against Mexico in the last game, and the World Cup history that they possess. Hence, this match will keep the spectators on their feet and will quite be entertaining to watch. Let us look at the 3 key battles which might decide the game.

#3 Thiago Silva vs Jans Vertonghen

This is going to be a very interesting battle between two most senior players of the respective sides. Both have been superb for their team in the World Cup so far. They have made it difficult for opponents to penetrate their side's defense. They are solid in defense, good distributors of the ball and are threatening during set pieces.

Having scored 1 goal from 4 games, Thiago Silva has had a success rate of 80% at tackling and has won 62.5% aerial duels. He has also completed 219 successful passes at the rate of 92.4% and at an average of 59.3 per game.

Vertonghen, on the other hand, has scored 1 goal from three games, completed tackles successfully at the rate of 66.7% and has won 71.4% aerial duels for his side. He has completed 162 successful passes at the rate of 87.1% and at an average of 62 per game.

Hence, this battle between the two shields of both the teams will be fascinating to watch.

#2 De Bruyne vs Coutinho

Coutinho and De Bruyne are midfield wizards for their respective sides. Being regarded as the best playmakers, both have got a good pace, make great use of possession, efficient at shooting from long range, and have got excellent vision to find the right players at the right place and time.

Having scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist from 4 games, Coutinho has completed 225 successful passes at the rate of 90%, and at an average of 65 passes per game. He has a passing accuracy of 89.1% in opposition's half.

De Bruyne, on the other hand, has completed 142 successful passes at the rate of 81.6%, and at an average of 58 passes per game. Being an excellent crosser, he has provided 3 successful crosses so far and has provided 1 assist from 3 games. He has a passing accuracy of 73.9% in opposition's half.

Hence, this battle between two extremely competitive midfielders might prove to be one of the most decisive battles in the game today.

#1 Neymar vs Hazard

Neymar and Hazard are the two best players for their sides. Both are world-class players, have incredible speed, technical skills, and great finishing ability. They have the rare ability to win matches for their team single-handedly and are extremely difficult to defend against.

Having scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist, Neymar has had 12 shots on target and a goal conversion rate of 12%. He has completed 168 successful passes at the rate of 85.3% and at an average of 49.3 passes per game.

Hazard, on the other hand, has scored 2 goals and provide 2 assists in 3 games for Belgium. He has completed 99 successful passes at a rate of 79.8% and at an average of 45 per game. He has had 5 shots on target and has a goal conversion rate of 22%

Hence, this key battle between two fabulous players will be keenly watched by the fans.