World Cup 2018: 3 Brazilians who should start against Belgium

#3 Fernandinho

How well does Fernandinho know his friends turned foes?

Casemiro is ruled out of the game due to suspension (two yellow cards accrued in prior games) and coach Tite will need to find a replacement for him in the middle of the park.

With all due respect to Renato Augusto and Taison, it will boil down to either of Fred or Fernandinho. While Fred is a lively player and does have the talent to step in for Casemiro, for a tie of this nature, Fernandinho is the man Brazil needs.

Fernandinho has the calmness and composure to deal with the Belgian attacking flair and creative talents. He will surely know the ins and outs of De Bruyne's game from their time together at Manchester City, and will have played against Hazard more than any other Brazilian midfielder in the squad.

In a crunch match like this that will likely be decided by a lapse of judgement more than a spark of brilliance, Fernandinho is the perfect choice to be tasked with the challenge of screening the defenders from the likes of Hazard and De Bruyne.