De Bruyne: Belgium showing how “powerful” they can be

The golden generation of Belgium made a huge statement of intent to win a first World Cup dispatching giants, Brazil 2-1 in an enthralling quarter-final duel.

If Belgium’s first goal in the 13th minute had an element of luck, with the ball going into the net off Fernandinho’s shoulder from a corner, the second in the 31st minute was a shining example of counter-attacking football.

There were two penalty appeals from Brazil which went to VAR – with Kompany lucky not to be punished for a sliding tackle on Jesus – before Renato Augusto, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino missed a flurry of late chances to make it 2-2. It was game on.

Brazil are priced at 23/20 to win the match in 90 minutes, with Belgium available at 13/5 and the draw on offer at 12/5. I think Brazil should take advantage of the Belgium defence because right now it seems a little shaky, the two goals by Japan proving this.

“We know what we are capable of but Brazil are the favourites, putting us into a different role”, he added.

Betfair Ambassador Rivaldo comes to the defence of Brazil’s star man as he looks ahead to La Selecao’s quarter-final with Belgium. The second came off a terrific shot from Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne from around the edge of the penalty box into the far post (set up by a terrific run from Romelu Lukaku).

Of the four Manchester City players named in Brazil’s World Cup squad, only Gabriel Jesus has featured regularly. “We weathered the storm against Mexico, came back into the game and eventually, our opponents hardly touched the ball”.

Both kept their places in the team which beat Brazil as Belgium abandoned their wing-back formation, instead playing 4-3-3 with no main striker and Lukaku on the right. In Neymar, Brazil has a world beater who can produce a moment of magic for his country. No one can come close to him at this tournament in terms of intensity’.

Martinez saw his side rally from the brink of elimination to snatch a last-gasp 3-2 win over Japan in the Round of 16 on Monday, booking a meeting with the five-time World Cup winners. It is a childhood dream to be in the World Cup.

Although Tite expects Belgium to provide his team with a stiff challenge on Friday in Kazan, he is adamant the cool-headed Brazilians can secure their semi-final spot over the 90 minutes. However, now, Brazil will have to face them without Carlos Casemiro, who plays a key part of the team’s defense, because of his one-game suspension after two yellow cards earlier in the World Cup tournament. “I couldn’t be prouder”.

“I want to give all the credits to the people defending”. It was Brazil featuring Neymar, rather than the Brazilian national team.

“Second half it was very hard, they had a lot of players in the middle”.

It remained a nervy end to the game as Brazil remained on the attack, although Hazard looked to ease the pressure when he was able to get on to the ball.