Belgium skipper Edin Hazard enjoyed the pressure and responsibility of trying to keep his country in the hunt for the World Cup title – and relishes the added load that comes with playing against Brazil at the World Cup quarter-final.

Belgium had to break sweat to beat Japan coming from two goals down.

The midfielder is excited by the challenge awaiting Belgium on Friday when they meet tournament’s favourites Brazil, calling the pressure that comes with it something to embrace – just as he did when helping his side turn it around against the Samurai Blue.

“The reaction we showed today was great and maybe it is this type of match we needed for the future as we could have been eliminated but we are into the quarter-finals,” Hazard told reporters after the match.

“When it comes to the match on Friday, it is going to be magnificent because playing against Brazil is always amazing as a football player. We are going to rest really well and going to really try to win that match.” he added.

Jan Vertonghen , Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli were on target for Belgium in their win over Japan.