World Cup 2018: 5 Reasons why Belgium made it to the Final 4

On Friday night, we saw the favourites knocked out of the World Cup, as Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Belgium in a thrilling encounter in Kazan. It leaves the tournament as open as ever, and all of the remaining teams will believe that this could be their year.

It was a stunning performance from Belgium, who were two goals up inside half an hour thanks to an own goal from Fernandinho, and a brilliant strike from Kevin de Bruyne. Brazil pulled one back late on in the second half through Renato Augusto, but it wasn’t enough for the five-time winners to take the game into extra time.

This was the best we have seen of Belgium so far in Russia. They were one of just three teams to go through from the group stage with a 100% record, having beaten Panama and Tunisia before their second-choice team beat England to take top spot in the group. They came from two goals down to beat Japan in the round of 16, with Nacer Chadli netting a last-minute winner.

It has been a slightly different story with Brazil, who never entirely convinced during their campaign in Russia. They drew with Switzerland in their opening match, before wins over Serbia and Costa Rica secured progression to the second round. They then comfortably coasted past Mexico in the round of 16.

But it was Belgium’s night on Friday, as they secured progression to their first World Cup semi-final since 1986. Here are five reasons why they beat Brazil in the quarterfinals:

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#1 Martinez found the perfect system

In all of their opening four matches at the World Cup, Belgium played five at the back, with wing-backs. However, Martinez made the decision that for the game with Brazil, he would switch to 4-3-3. This worked perfectly. Had he gone in with three centre-backs, they would have been overrun by Brazil’s front three. Instead, he was able to start both Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini, giving him control in the middle of the park.

For the first time in the tournament, he was able to move Kevin de Bruyne into a more advanced position, as part of a front three alongside Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. This gave him a greater influence in the centre of the park, and the three put in a superb performance to lead their side to the semi-final. Their ability to change systems will now keep France guessing ahead of their semi-final next week.

#2 Brazil missed Casemiro, and Fellaini showed them what they were missing

Fellaini

Real Madrid missed Casemiro every time he was unavailable last season, and he was a massive loss in the centre of the park for Brazil as well. Fernandinho came into the side in his place, and he just wasn’t as effective. For the second goal, Romelu Lukaku strolled through the Brazil midfield to set up Kevin de Bruyne to score. Fernandinho was nowhere to be seen. Would Casemiro have stopped it? He would certainly have done a better job.

In Belgium colours, it was Fellaini who was given the defensive responsibility in midfield. And much to the surprise of many, he put in a solid shift. He did an excellent job in shielding the back four and put in the sort of disciplined performance that Martinez would have dreamed of. He made the most of his physical advantage and controlled the midfield.

#3 De Bruyne and Hazard proved they are world class

De Bruyne and Hazard

The one criticism often levelled at this Belgium side is that they are a bunch of individuals, who aren’t capable of doing it as a team. Under Martinez, they were yet to really face a quality opposition, and this was a massive test against Brazil. They were superb though, and they were led from the front by their two genuinely world class players, Hazard and de Bruyne.

De Bruyne ran the show in the first half, and tormented the Brazilian backline, including producing a sensational strike to double their lead after half an hour. He was unleashed further up the pitch, having played in a much deeper role in the opening four games. Hazard seemed to benefit from de Bruyne’s new position, and he constantly caused Fagner problems during the match. In the last 20 minutes or so, as Belgian legs tired, Hazard played a key role in holding the ball up and giving his teammates some respite.

#4 Neymar’s antics cost his side

Neymar

There is no doubt that Neymar is one of the most talented players on the planet. He was part of one of the deadliest front lines in football history at Barcelona, and there is a reason PSG paid £200 million for his services. That hasn’t been the case in Russia however, and at times, his behaviour has bordered on a joke.

Sadly, it hasn’t been his football that has been the key subject of discussion, and instead, his play-acting has been the main talking point. He spent 14 minutes on the floor in Brazil’s first four matches and was responsible for two more shocking dives against Belgium. He is a brilliant footballer and is capable of going all the way to the top, but he doesn’t focus on being the best he can be, and that is what is letting him down, and it cost Brazil.

#5 Brazil came up against a ‘keeper in top form

Thibaut Courtois

Sometimes, it’s just your day, and on Friday, it was Thibaut Courtois’ day. He has received a little bit of criticism over the last season with Chelsea, with many suggesting his performances have been slightly substandard. However, if there was anyone doubting that he is a top goalkeeper, he silenced them with a brilliant performance against Brazil.

He has always been a ‘keeper who commands his area well, and he paired that with some good shot stopping to help send Belgium through to the semi-finals. Brazil had 27 shots, but could only beat Courtois once. He saved well from Coutinho in the first half and crowned his performance with the best of the lot. With the game at 2-1 in the final minute, Neymar lined up a shot from the edge of the box, and Courtois had to be at full stretch to keep it out, producing possibly the save of the tournament so far.