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

#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.