Brazil vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 6 July 2018

Two of the pre-tournament favourites, Brazil and Belgium, meet in a World Cup quarter-final in Kazan. Brazil were comfortable 2-0 winners over Mexico to reach this stage, while Belgium staged a dramatic comeback against Japan, turning around a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 with a last minute winner.

Brazil Probable Lineups and Stats

Brazil have been solid in their progress, showing their full attacking flair in patches. It is their less talked about defence which has been notable, conceding just one goal so far and only having allowed five shots on target against them, the fewest in the tournament. However, against Belgium, defensive midfielder Casemiro is suspended, though Marcelo may return.

Probable line-up: Alisson – Fagner, Marcelo, T.Silva, Miranda – Fernandinho, Paulinho, Willian, Coutinho, Neymar – G.Jesus

Brazil only had 47% possession against Mexico and will likely share it with Belgium too, although their pass accuracy was 83%. They have managed an impressive 77 attempts at goal in the four matches so far, with Neymar having 23 of those, with 12 on target. The Brazilian playmaker has also created 16 chances and all these stats of his are the best of any player in the tournament so far. Discipline has been decent for Brazil given their excellent defensive performance to date, with only five yellow cards and 36 fouls committed.

Belgium Probable Lineups and Stats

Staring at an earlier than anticipated exit from the World Cup, Belgium’s remarkable recovery in beating Japan was based around the impact of substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli. Fellaini was prominent in the match against England too, but it is unlikely that either will start against Brazil.

Probable line-up: Courtois – Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Kompany – Meunier, Witsel, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Mertens, E.Hazard – Lukaku

Averaging 3 goals a game, they too have had 77 attempts at goal, 30 of which have been on target. Against Japan, they edged possession with 56% and a pass accuracy rate of 87%. Striker Romelu Lukaku has four goals to his name, making him joint second top goal scorer at the World Cup at present. Defensively Belgium have conceded four goals. They have committed 56 fouls in their defensive work, but only picked up 5 yellow cards, the same as Brazil. However none of the Belgium players have picked up two yellows, so they do not have any suspensions for the quarter-final.

Brazil v Belgium – Head to Head

Brazil have met Belgium once before at the World Cup finals in 2002 in Japan. Playing for a place in the quarterfinals, goals from Brazilian greats Rivaldo and Ronaldo saw the South American side win 2-0. Prior to this, the nations had played three friendlies over the years. Belgium have only won one of those meetings and that was the first one back in 1963.

Expert Tip

This is a match which should be close in every department. Both sides have attacking flair, but Brazil have defended better so far. Both teams will likely score in a 2-1 win to Brazil in a match where attacking play could lead to 18 corners in the game. Brazil may head into a two-goal lead before Belgium pull one back to set up a tense finish. Both sides have been disciplined, picking up minimal yellow cards. Referees have been quite lenient and there may only be two bookings or less per side in this match.

Interesting Facts and Information

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