Belgium’s golden generation is well on its way to World Cup glory following a terrific performance to upset Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The red devils produced an attacking masterpiece in the first half, and deservedly held a two-nil lead at halftime as a Fernandinho own goal and a Kevin De Bruyne masterpiece gave Belgium the advantage.
Brazil had their chances throughout the contest but were denied by wasteful finishing, the post and a very in-form Courtois.
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Belgium now advance to a semi-final against neighbours France who earlier accounted for Uruguay two-nil. There are now no South American nations left in the tournament which means that the World Cup will be staying in Europe for another four years.
That means little though to Belgium. They will now fancy their chances of going all the way after upsetting the five-time world champions.
As for Brazil, the wait goes on for Neymar, who will be 30 years of age by the time Qatar 2022 rolls around. Will he join Messi and Ronaldo on the list of great players to have never won football’s greatest prize?
Belgium stars such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelo Lukaku and Vincent Kompany however can all etch their names into footballing immortality if they can produce two more outstanding performances in Russia.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Glad to see the last of the South Americans with their falling, diving, crying, screaming, arm waving, wrestling, tripping, referee abusing and shirt tugging style of play with their dodgy hairstyles. Until the next time, lol.
Tim
Guest
Yep. He did a damn fine job this world cup in building up his public mage as a cheat, little positive will be remembered of his. One day he can show the grandkids his highlights reel of rolls.
me too
Guest
not sure belgium were brilliant. Good counterattacking football n the first half but very lucky to be two up. a fluke deflection og and a poster by brasil. second half belgium capitulated completely and were saved by some top class goalkeeping and more bad luck for brasil, whose shooting was off par. very disappointed in how they played that half. need a fair bit of luck to win a world cup and belgium may have used alltheirs up in this game and last. but good luck to them.
Paulie
Guest
Congratulations to Belgium and France thoroughly deserved their wins and goodridence to the South American sides who showed so much bad sportsmanship and theartrics one has to offer them at least a academy award for the rubbish they dished out.
MQ
Guest
Fascinating game to watch, especially being able to observe Martinez' assymetric and rather malleable formation, which seemed to be fit for purpose and gave Brazil all sorts of bother in that first half. I mean, to see De Bruyne in the middle of a deep-lying front three, constantly collecting the ball well within his own third, finding himself in acres of space, little wonder the Brazilian defenders didn't know where they were meant to be or what they were doing. Brazil were on top of the ruse in the 2nd half, but then Hazard stepped up to keep the ball for long periods of time when Belgium were under pressure, flicking between both wings. Also a special mention for Chadli's unique role, perfectly illustrating the malleability of the Belgian formation, ostensibnly starting as the left wing back, but more often than not, finding himself in midfield, and helping break down the Brazilian attack, often inside the centre circle. Great tactics by Martinez, and good discipline by his players to carry it out, at least in that first half, where the game was won.
paulywalnuts
Guest
Well, that’s Neymar gone. Surely that’s something we all can celebrate.
AGO74
Guest
Great game. Great win Belgium. Unlucky Brazil for own goal. Terrible defending for 2nd goal (I’m looking at you Coutinho) but a magic strike from De Bruyne. Gripping 2nd half. They were rocking Belgium but I’d have been surprised if they conceded 2. I thought hazards work in the last 15-20 minutes was outstanding to get the ball and hold it up allowing his defence even momentary releases of pressure. Also - whilst Martinez has been a perceived weak link in this team being manager I have to say that he got his selections, formation and tactical approach spot on in this game. His two new starters in Fellaini and Chadli contributed significantly to the win. Not a bad player for Belgium.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
I’ve only seen the highlights but Lukaku keeps on surprising me , fantastic run that led to De Bruyne goal Well done Red Devils , would love to see their name on the Cup .