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When Nacer Chadli scored a stoppage-time winner against Japan in the round of 16, the whole world got excited owing to the fact that we now have a mouthwatering quarter-final clash between Belgium and Brazil.
On paper, probably two of the most star-studded lineups of this world cup, Brazil vs Belgium is one of the biggest matches of the last eight stage.
Brazil started out their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Rostov. They then went on to beat Costa Rica with two goals late in stoppage time before dumping Serbia out of the tournament with a 2-0 victory.
Their next opponents were the North American side Mexico who defeated Germany in their opening fixture.
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Though the match was expected to be a hard one to guess it wasn’t. The Brazilians dominated their North American counterparts with Neymar opening the scoring before Roberto Firmino sealed it for Brazil in the 88th minute. As things stand Brazil is the favourites for FIFA World Cup 2018.
While Belgium had a ball in the group stage winning all matches comprehensively. Romelu Lukakau has provided the goals with four to his name. After beating the likes of Panama, Tunisia and England, Belgium entered the round of 16 as group G winners.
Japan was expected to be tricky opponents but their two-goal lead at the 65-minute mark shocked the world. Belgium had to dig deep as they came back from 0-2 to win 3-2 courtesy of goals from Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini and a Nacer Chadli stoppage-time goal.
As the most awaited round of 16 clash approaches, let us see what the combined teams might look like with a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois pips Alisson Becker for the No. 1 position. Though the Brazilian has been great so far, keeping Courtois out of the side was always going to be hard.
The Chelsea stopper, despite his horrendous showing against Japan, has been one of the star performers for Belgium.
Often considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world Courtois has grabbed 62 caps at just 26 years of age.
If he continues his great run he might end up being Belgium's most capped players of all time.
Left back
As good as Marcelo is, Jan Vertonghen had to play out of his skin to be chosen ahead of the Brazilian and he definitely hasn’t disappointed.
The Tottenham full-back has shown a side of his game never seen before. He started the scoring in Belgium's 3-2 comeback win over Japan in the round of 16.
Vertonghen with his calculated runs and accurate passing has been Belgium's darkhorse. If Belgium is to have any chance of beating Brazil then Jan Vertonghen has to be at his best.
Right back
When Dani Alves retired, Brazil had a huge gap to fill. The Brazilian is often regarded as on the greatest right-backs of all time.
With options looking scarce brazil had sort out this problem if they wanted to challenge for the world title and step up Fagner. The Corinthians right-back has been efficient for the samba nation so far.
If the 29-year-old continues his impressive display then it won't be a surprise if any of the top European clubs come calling for his signature.
Centrebacks
Brazil have conceded just once in four matches courtesy of Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda's brilliance.
Thiago Silva is often considered as one the best centre-backs of the world and was badly missed four years back in brazil’s humiliating loss to Germany in semi-finals of 2014 world cup.
The PSG skipper has been rock solid for Brazil and has earned 75 caps till date. Captaining Brazil in yet another world cup, Silva stands out as the perfect leader on the field.
The Brazilian captain is accompanied by 33-year-old Joao Miranda in the heart of Brazil's defence.
Miranda has had some sort of resurgence late in his career as he was chosen ahead of David Luiz to partner Thiago Silva. Miranda has been shown commendable temperament in Russia and is one major reason for brazil’s rock solid defence.
Scoring against Silva and Miranda will be a huge task for Romelu Lukaku and company.
Midfielders
This is where it gets interesting. Brazil and Belgium have some of the biggest names in the world. The amount of talent in the midfield especially is unmeasurable.
Despite so many champions in these two sides, we have come up with three men capable of influencing a game on their own.
First up is the PFA award winner for the best premier league player of season 2017-18 – Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian hasn’t set the world alight with his performance in Russia but it is fair to say that on his day, De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world.
Manchester City's historic premier league campaign was accomplished with the help of de Bruyne's brilliance. If on song then who knows De Bruyne take Belgium all the way
Coutinho joins the Belgian in the midfield. The former Liverpool man has been the driving force behind brazil’s impressive run in Russia. With two goals and an assist, Coutinho has been busy in orchestrating Brazil’s attacks.
The Brazilian recently moved to Barcelona and became the second most expensive player of all time. It is rightly said in Brazil that if Neymar doesn’t get you, Coutinho will. Often known for his trickery and long-range goalscoring exploits Coutinho is nothing short of a magician
.To complete the midfield we have got the Brazilian Paulinho. The former Tottenham man has had some sort of revival in his career earning a move from Guangzhou Evergrande to Barcelona previous summer along with getting a callback from Brazil national side.
The Brazilian is a goalscoring midfielder often appreciated to be at the right place at the right time. He has been impressive so far in Russia playing Brazil’s each and every game.
Forwards
Both the teams are blessed with enormous talent up front. Speed, vision, sheer goalscoring - you name it they have it. First up, the centre-forward which has to be Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku’s inclusion won't surprise many owing to the fact that the towering Belgian is second top scorer of the FIFA world cup 2018 along with Cristiano Ronaldo- both have four goals to their names.
The Belgian pips Gabriel Jesus courtesy of his fine record and sumptuous form up front.
Right wing goes to Neymar. Probably the best player of the lot Neymar is a terrorizing figure up front.
The PSG man is the most expensive player of all time and probably the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While many might say he belongs to the left wing, Neymar is capable of ruining the opposition's party from any position.
Scoring twice till now, Neymar has been the man responsible for Brazil’s goals. Belgium will have a hard time in keeping the former Barcelona man quiet in the quarterfinals
The attack is completed by Eden Hazard on the left. The Chelsea man has been the most valuable player for Belgium in Russia and will have to be at his mercurial best if Belgium are to go through to the semi-finals.
The Chelsea winger was on song in Belgium's 3-2 comeback win over Japan in the last 16.
Despite not scoring, Hazard was highly responsible for Belgium's scintillating attack. For his display on the field, he was rightly awarded the Man of the match award. Roberto Martinez will rely on Hazard to crack open the Brazilian defence.
What do you think about this combined XI? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
