South American charmers face European idea of themselves

Brazil and Belgium have have shyed away from each and every different since that night time at Kobe's Misaki Park in World Cup 2002, when the Selecao rode strikes from Ronaldo and Rivaldo to overcome the Red Devils.

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So much has modified since, as two new generations are about to contest for a semifinal spot on the Kazan Arena on Friday. In Belgium, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and goalkeeper Thibout Courtois outline probably the most promising workforce because the days of Enzo Scifo, and are making an attempt to support on their 2014 quarterfinal go out.

The comeback win towards Japan within the Last-16 degree has given Roberto Martinez's facet an ordinary rallying point towards the Selecao who are making improvements to with each recreation, and so is their striker Neymar Junior.

Statistically, Belgium had been more Brazilian of their goal-scoring prowess in Russia, topping the chart with 12, 5 greater than their approaching opponents. In contrast, the revelation for the Tite-trained yellow shirts has been their parsimonious defence, which has conceded just one in four video games. Astounding performances by means of Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda have earned them the respect to steer the team.

Grabbing as a lot attention in debates as Neymar's theatrics, the pairing of Silva and Miranda has created an aura of impregnability, even if Tite was once pressured to experiment with two defensive flank males, Fagner and Felipe Luis. The wing backs have introduced no room for whinge thus far and feature grown into the arrogance whilst going forward.

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However, Tite said on the eve of the sport that Marcelo goes to reclaim his place on the left, "even though Felipe has been tremendous in the last two games". With the wealth of skill at his disposal, Tite can tweak the formation as and when he desires.

Back from hell towards Japan, Belgium's three-man defence of Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertoghen will likely be put to serious test by means of Brazil's attacking trio of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Willian with occasional forward thrusts from Paulinho.

Jesus has long past four video games with no target, which may prompt Tite to begin with Firmino, who scored inside minutes of his introduction towards Mexico. Still, Tite heaped reward on the young Manchester City striker for his defensive work, calling him a 'truck' whilst referring to his inexhaustible bodily abilities.

Having had a restrained recreation by means of his lofty requirements towards Mexico, Coutinho goes to be the orchestrator with his sublime vision that creates space for his attackers where none exists. Serbia felt the tremor of his cross and crumbled.

"When you play against Brazil, you need to understand they are the best team in the competition, I think you have to accept that," Martinez had said after Belgium came back from the dead towards Japan.

Brazil will likely be missing the suspended Casemiro, their midfield insurance coverage, and Fernandinho will likely be a instantly fit. Douglas Costa and Marcelo are also fit to resume their duties, giving Tite options if the 'balance' will get disturbed. It appears to be the favourite word of The Professor and his assistant Silvinho, the previous Barcelona left back.

Apparently, Silvinho's signature is noticed within the present Brazilian means of shielding. The different day, Tite stored nodding in agreement when his assistant defined how he had learnt from the Juventus template. "Napoli are a better attacking side but Juventus have won the Serie A seven times without a break. It is all about balance and not conceding. But it doesn't make us defensive," Silvinho had said.

There will likely be a reunion of sorts in Kazan where Kompany will problem Jesus whilst Hazard will start towards Willian. Fernandinho might be given the task to mark Hazard.