World Cup 2018: 4 Things Brazil need to do to win against Belgium

#4 Defend set-pieces well

The centre-back duo will have to be on their toes during set-pieces

Brazil have found stability ever since Tite took over the reins. They have kept clean sheets in nineteen of the last twenty-five games they have played. If they are to keep another clean sheet against Belgium, it is imperative that they defend well from corners and free-kicks.

Belgium have good headers of the ball and they possess a height advantage over Brazil. With the likes of Alderweireld, Fellaini, Kompany, Lukaku, Meunier, Vertonghen and Witsel, they represent a significant threat from set-pieces. In the game against Japan, they scored two of their goals via headers.

With Casemiro ineligible to play, Brazil would be at a ‘height disadvantage’. They would have to make sure that they do not give the Belgians any chances to pounce upon in the box. Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda have a crucial role to play in organizing the defence and standing firm when the Belgians turn up the heat.

A cheap goal conceded from a corner or a free-kick would be the last thing the Brazilians would want. If Brazil are to advance to Saint Petersburg, they would need to offset the Belgian aerial threat.