World Cup 2018: 3 ways how Belgium can knock out Brazil

In what promises to be the most fascinating quarterfinal of the World Cup, Brazil will take on Belgium tonight.

It is arguably the most attractive fixture of the World Cup so far, with the best defence going up against the best attack. Don't agree? Let us tell you why.

Brazil have conceded only one goal in the tournament, and allowed only five shots on target in four games, the fewest of any side, hence; the best defence.

Whereas, Belgium are leading the scoring chart with twelve goals from their four games so far, hence; the best attack.

Roberto Martinez's side only made it to the quarterfinals by the skin of their teeth as they edged past a spirited Japan side 3-2 in the dying moments of the stoppage time.

Brazil, on the other hand, had to rely on their second-half brilliance against Mexico in order to secure a place in the last-eight.

The Selecao might have the pedigree and the tag of favourites but Belgium is more than capable a side that can make Brazil pay for even the slightest of mistakes. Here are three ways how the Europeans can get the better of the South Americans. Let’s take a look:

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#1 Full-backs- Brazil's Achilles heel

Brazilian right-back will have a tough time against the likes of Hazard and Carrasco

Brazil’s first choice left-back Marcelo picked up an injury against Serbia and sat out their last-16 tie against Mexico, but he is declared fit ahead of the Belgium clash which means he is likely to start. If not, Tite will again look to Filipe Luis to cover the left side of their defensive half.

Luis is 32 years old and has seen many injuries throughout his career. He’s lost his pace and ability to catch fast wingers which was evident in the game against Mexico.

Marcelo or Luis, whoever starts against Belgium, both are not known for their defensive abilities and have a knack of making forward runs way too many times, thereby will leave ample space for Belgium wingers to exploit.

But Brazil’s real Achilles’ heel could be Fagner on the right flank.

Fagner was caught out of position quite a few times against Mexico but managed to get away with it, as the Brazilian central defence remained solid.

But Belgium is a different proposition altogether. With Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco taking charge of Belgium’s left-wing, Fagner’s defensive abilities will be put to test once again on Friday.

#2 Quick Counter-attacks

Will Belgium rely on Counter-attacks against Brazil?

Brazil is much more comfortable against teams that play an open game and leave spaces for their amazing offensive talent to exploit. Players like Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus can hurt any side with their individual brilliance in minutes.

However, the Selecao struggle when up against sides that sit deep in their half and close spaces as much as possible. Take for instance the game against Costa Rica in the group stage. The Ticos, by virtue of this strategy, were able to frustrate the samba boys for as long as 90 minutes and Roberto Martinez’s side should take a cue from the Costa Ricans.

This would help Belgium in two ways. One, it would imbue a sense of fear among the Brazilians.

And two, it would expose Brazil to Belgian counter-attacks.

They are better equipped than Mexico in this regard, so normally, have a higher chance of capitalising on these situations.

We have already seen how effective De Bruyne and co. are in counters, haven’t we? Just watch their deciding goal against Japan and you would know.

#3 A case for the genius of De Bruyne and Hazard

De Bruyne and Hazard will be key to Belgium's chances against Brazil

Sure, Football is a team game. But we have seen in the past how quality players lift the team by their sheer individual brilliance, haven’t we?

In Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, Belgium boast of two geniuses who, on their day, can hurt any opponent pretty bad.

De Bruyne enjoyed his best season with Manchester City prior to World Cup and was instrumental in helping them win the title. He is the architect who is proficient at breaking a defensive back-line with just one intelligent play.

His through passes and pinpoint crosses will be key to Belgium’s chances against Tite’s side.

Now, coming to Eden Hazard, he is one of the best dribblers in the world at the moment. He’s got pace and technical ability to ghost past defenders. We have seen him terrorizing sides in the past and should he find his game on Friday, the Brazilian back-line will be in for a torrid time on the pitch, that’s for sure.