World Cup 2018: The 'Alternative' Awards

Best Game (Highest Quality): Belgium 2-1 Brazil

Belgium vs Brazil was the standout game at the World Cup

In the runup to the quarter-final between Brazil and Belgium, most expected Brazil to romp the Belgians. The matchup pitted two of the most talented teams in the tournament, but Brazil were generally considered to be a more organized outfit who would defeat the Belgians.

The Red Devils’ supposedly weak defensive flanks were a particular vulnerability. Yet what occurred was completely contrary to expectations as Belgium’s Golden Generation played the game of their lives.

Roberto Martinez shifted from his defensively vulnerable 3-4-3 to a far more solid 4-3-3. Even more importantly, Kevin De Bruyne was used as a false nine, allowing him to showcase his full talents on the counter-attack while Romelu Lukaku was positioned on the right flank.

It worked perfectly as Belgium exploited Brazil on the counter-attack time and time again. One of these counters resulted in a corner which ended up with a Fernandinho own goal.

Brazil continued to attack relentlessly with the combined creative talents of Neymar and Coutinho. But then Belgium struck again with brilliant link-up play between Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

From that point onwards, Brazil attacked persistently and even edged a goal back with a Renato Augusto header. Throughout the game, we got to see superb through balls, accurate crosses, exquisite shooting, brilliant defensive positioning and outstanding tackling.

What more does a fan want?