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Belgium slayed some demons in Kazan last Friday with their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Quarterfinals of World Cup 2018 and have finally begun to realize the destiny that this wonderfully talented generation of Belgian stars has always been capable of achieving. After a blitzing first half that saw Belgium put up two goals on the South American powerhouse, Belgium’s defense held firm in the second half to see them through to a tasty matchup against France in the Semifinals. Here are my three thoughts on an epic victory over Brazil.
Thought #1: Belgium was a little more defensive minded against Brazil without defanging their attack
Belgium started this match with the heroes of Belgium’s victory over Japan, Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini, inserted into the lineup and changed Belgium from the 3-4-3 that they had been deploying in the group stages to a more defensive minded 4-3-3. The four in the back were essential in providing stability against a relentless Brazilian attack, with Fellaini in particular, being very effective in disrupting some of the space that Coutinho and Neymar usually exploited against previous opponents. Fellaini also brought a steadiness on the ball in the midfield and was effective at spurring attacks forward to the Belgian playmaking trio of Lukaku, Hazard and De Bruyne.
With the focus on providing more manpower to the Belgian defense, it also allowed Kevin De Bruyne to play in a much more natural position, higher up the pitch, with wingers Lukaku and Hazard flanking the sides. De Bruyne’s presence further forward allowed for a more free flowing attack and culminated in an absolute pistol of a goal in the 31st minute from the Manchester City man himself, from right outside of the box.
This transition towards having more manpower defensively seems to be how the Red Devils plan for moving forward and I think it should greatly improve their chances of moving forward.
Thought # 2: Thibault Courtois is a world class keeper
Courtois was an absolute beast against a hellish Brazilian attack that managed a whopping 26 shots, 9 of them on goal. He was also vocal in organizing a back four that was not used to playing as foursome very often. With Brazil constantly pushing forward in the second half of the match, desperately trying to stave off the end of their World Cup, Courtois was able to brilliantly keep the ball from hitting the back of the net. As the minutes waned in extra time of the second half of the match, Courtois made what may be the save of the tournament, on a Neymar shot in the 94th minute, to preserve the Belgian victory.
Thought # 3: Belgium and France should hopefully put on a match for the ages
There will be plenty of talent on the field for both squads when France and Belgium take the field against each other in Tuesday’s semifinal match. In many ways, each team will be dealing with similar sets of issues. How do I stop/slow down an athletic marvel of forward in Lukaku/Kylian Mbappe? How do I deal with a midfielder who can singularly pick apart a defense in De Bruyne/ Paul Pogba? How do I slow down a pacey winger who is as smart and creative, as he is fast in Hazard/Antoine Griezmann?
I don’t know about you all but I cannot wait to see how each side tries to solve the other.
Belgium
2018 World Cup
