Belgium in the second quarter-finals game of the ongoing Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup played a few hours ago, beat Brazil 2-1 to qualify for the semi-finals, as an own-goal from Fernandinho and a brilliant strike from De Bruyne gave Belgium the narrow win to set up a mouthwatering clash with neighbours France in the Semi-Finals on Tuesday.
The game kicked off with an early goal from Belgium which was an own goal from Fernadinho, after a Vincent Kompany’s flicked on the ball from the near goalpost for it to be deflected into the net for a own-goal as early as 13-minutes to the game, to set up the game plan for the Red Devils and coach Martinez.
The game started with Belgium changing tactics bringing in Kevin De Bruyne just playing behind Romelu Lukaku and other part of the game looking like a forced 9, with Eden Hazard at the left while Nacer Chadli after scoring the winner against Japan got the nod from his coach Roberto Martinez. All these paid off as Belgium looked more dangerous on the counter than Brazil.
Lukaku charging from a Brazilian corner-kick with nobody picking him up, found De Bruyne who had just Marcelo and goalkeeper Becker to beat and the Manchester City player wasted no time to hit a devastating strike at the right corner of the Brazilian net to make it 2-0 in favour of Belgium in the 31st minutes, leaving Neymar and Brazil bench Stunned at how fast they have gone two goals down so in the 30+minutes.
The second half started with a Brazilian change as Willian who was more of a spectator in the first-half was substituted for Liverpool’s Fermino. It was the Belgium side still who started as if they were the ones with a two goal deficit starting the second half as they continued from where they left off in the first half.
Neymar who has had a frustrating night was his theatric self once again, as he threw himself on the grown sensing the charge from Fellaini who avoided the challenge and again the Referee left the Paris Saint Germain playmaker off the hook without any booking for simulation.
As the game progressed with Brazil having the upper hand but still two goals down, they made their second change bringing in Douglas Costa for Gabriel Jesus. The Juventus man came on with some firepower and someone in the mood with his fast skillful style of play which Willian had but did not really look like it on the night, as he troubled the Belgium defense who quickly double-teamed on him to no effect.
Brazil third substitute was introduced which was Renato Augusto and coming in his first action was heading home a cross from Philippe Coutinho to pull one back for Brazil, as the Belgium goalkeeper Courtois was beaten for the first time after Brazil’s 19-shots on goal.
Renato again in the 80th minute had a glorious opportunity to level the score but put his shot agonizingly wide for Brazil, that you want to question the Brazilian coach Adenor Bacchi what he was thinking keeping Renato Augusto on the bench.
Renato coming in the second half really had a good feel to the Brazilian team as they push and push in what looks more like an all attacking team against a very defensive, well drilled and organized Belgium side, as everything that was thrown at them was like pouring water to a brick wall..lol…Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier, and Fellaini were rock solid on the night.
Brazil made another charge in the 83-minute as Neymar beat the offside flag to have a pull-back for Coutinho, but the Barcelona man with an open foot targeting the top side of the goalpost, hit it wide going off target with a huge relieve from Belgium goalkeeper Courtois.
Lujaku was substituted for Tielemans and Brazil continued with their pressing, but Belgium held on up to the last minute of the game, to book a semi-finals ticket at the Russia 2018 FIFA world cup. The win means for the first time since 1990s Belgium are beating a South Amerca side and 2002 Champions Brazil to make the World cup an all European competition.
This will be Belgium’s second semi-finals since 1986 and will be playing neighbours France in the semi finals…what a game that would be…Congratulations to Belgium