World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals

A tactical masterclass from Roberto Martinez led Belgium to a famous 2-1 win over Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals. The Red Devils were inarguably the better team on the night as they dazzled the stage with their crisp counter attacks.

Belgium opened the scoring through a Fernandinho own goal. The City midfielder could not get out of Kompany's flick from a corner which resulted in a freak opening goal. But the second Belgian goal had no luck attached to it.

A perfect counter-attacking move was finished with a bullet of a shot from Kevin De Bruyne. The architect of that goal was Romelu Lukaku who went past a number of Brazilian players to set up his teammate. Renato Augusto pulled one back for Brazil in the final quarter of the game but it proved to be too little too late for the South Americans.

So without further ado, let us analyze the three main reasons which aided Belgium's cause in usurping the mighty Brazilians:

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#3 A switch in formation

Roberto Martinez set up his side in a 4-3-3 formation

Belgium's 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation has led them to a 19-game unbeaten run but it has also drawn a lot of flak because of the absence of dedicated fullbacks in the squad and a defensive role assigned to Kevin De Bruyne. But as soon as the lineups were announced yesterday, it was predicted that Belgium have changed their system for the game against Brazil.

Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli were given a starting role after their impressive outings against Japan. This meant that the Red Devils lined up in a 4-3-3 system with Jan Vertonghen at left back. The three midfielders were Witsel, Fellaini and Chadli whereas Hazard, De Bruyne and Lukaku lined up in a front three.

This formation negated Belgium's fullback weakness and also gave freedom to Kevin De Bruyne. With three men in midfield, Belgium did not give a numerical advantage to Brazil and went toe to toe with them in every aspect.

Roberto Martinez had deployed a three at the back formation till the Brazil game and even used the system in the entirety of the qualifying stage. It was a gutsy move by the manager to try something new in probably the biggest game of his managerial career.

#2 Thibaut Courtois' solid work between the posts

Courtois made 9 saves on the night

After going 2-0 down, Brazil were expected to throw a Hail Mary towards Belgium. The Selecao attacked with all their might and if it wasn't for some last-ditch defending and some stunning goalkeeping, Belgium would have been on their way home.

Toby Alderweireld made 10 clearances in the match but the star at the back was Thibaut Courtois. The Chelsea custodian made as many as 9 saves against Brazil. Neymar and co. attempted 17 shots in the second half but only one of them got past Courtois.

The best save of the night came in stoppage time as Neymar attempted a curling shot. Courtois had to stretch fully and make a fingertip save to stop Brazil from equalizing and send his country into the final four for the first time in 32 years.

Courtois dominated his area with authority and showed strength to parry some of Coutinho's stinging shots.

#1 An advanced role for Kevin De Bruyne

KDB excelled in a false nine role

Apart from a change in formation, Belgium had another surprise in store for the hapless Brazilians. Kevin De Bruyne was deployed centrally in a false nine role with Eden Hazard to his left and Romelu Lukaku to his right. It is this setup that led Belgium to one of their finest victories of all time.

Hazard and Lukaku were pinned to the flanks and with Marcelo being at his careless best, the Brazilian centre-backs were stretched throughout the first half. Fernandinho also had a rough game which meant that Kevin De Bruyne often had acres of space to run through the middle.

Belgium worked their counter-attacks brilliantly and the link-up plays from De Bruyne were exquisite at times. He was crying out for a role with more attacking freedom and when De Bruyne received that chance, he grabbed it with both hands. KDB completed 100% of his take-ons, and apart from his thunderous strike for the second goal, he also created three other chances.