1xBet Match Preview: Brazil vs Belgium

You will know its serious business when touted World Cup favourites clash. Brazil will take in Belgium in the second World Cup 2018 Quarter Final match to be played at the Kazan’ Arena in Kazan on Friday 6 July 2018 at 2000hrs (Zimbabwe Time)

Belgium barely made it out of the round of 16 alive, needing a last minute gasp from Chaddli having to come from two goals down to win 3-2 against Japan. They were beaten up and emotionally drained, evidenced by their tears after winning the match, and now they have to face the five time Champions Brazil. Led by Edin Hazard alongside Kevin De Bruyne and prolific record scorer Romelu Lukaku upfront,Belgium have been the most exciting team in the tournament. They will look to take the game to the Brazilians when the two teams meet in Karzan on Friday night.

Brazil managed to see off Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16. Brazil has been less than impressive so far in the World Cup. While their defense has mostly held strong, allowing just three goals in four games, the team’s attack has been unable to possess the ball consistently and create quality chances. Up top, Gabriel Jesus has been unable to find his Premier League form, and Neymar has only shown flashes of brilliance. Coach Tite will need to get those two clicking alongside Coutinho and Willian (or anybody else) if he hopes to take his team any further.

Belgium will be pressured to go further in the tournament given the galaxy of stars at their disposal. They have been labeled as the golden generation and will certainly use this as an opportunity to win the Championship title. This will undoubtedly be the biggest game ever for the Belgium national team. They will be bidding to improve what is already one of their best World Cup performance while trying to beat Brazil for the first time since 1963.

Match Facts
Despite the quality of the sides and the rich footballing history inherent, the two teams have met only four times in head to head clashes.

Of the four, Brazil has lost just one match to Belgium, a friendly way back in 1963.

Brazil have won all three subsequent fixtures, including a 2-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup in the last 16.

Both sides are on impressive unbeaten runs. Brazil haven’t lost in 16 competitive games, compared to Belgium’s 22-match streak. The bad news for the Red Devils is that their last defeat came in the quarter-finals of a major tournament, bowing out to Wales at Euro 2016.

Team News
Brazil’s Casemiro is ruled out through suspension. Good news for Brazil is Marcelo who took a knock in their Group stage second round fixture is available for selection and Douglas Costa is also fit.

For Belgium Adnan Januzaj has a slight injury, otherwise Belgium have all players available for selection.

Predicted Line ups
BRAZIL.                         BELGIUM.
Alisson Becker             Thibaut Courtois
Thiago Silva                  Vincent Kompany
Fagner                           Jan Vertonghen
Marcelo                         Toby Alderweireld
Miranda                         Kevin De Bruyne
Fernandinho                 Thomas Meunier
Philippe Coutinho        Nacer Chadli
Paulinho                        Axel Witsel
Roberto Firmino            Dries Mertens
Neymar                           Eden Hazard
Willian                             Romelu Lukaku

Betting Tips

Brazil to win 2.18

Belgium to win: 3.78

Brazil and Belgium to draw after 90 minutes: 3.46

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