World Cup: Belgium is in the prime against Brazil

Expectations for the second quarter-final of the World Cup in Russia between Brazil and Belgium are high

The "Selecao" around the superstar Neymar has played more and more in the role of favorite. With the "Red Devils" waiting in the round of last eight in Kazan Friday at 20:00 clock (LIVE in LAOLA1 ticker), but now the first hurdle very high.

For the infallible Belgians play for their first semifinal since 1986 and the long-awaited victory of a long-standing "golden generation" team.

"Golden Generation" on the test

The Brazilian starting point is quickly described: In the country, which defines its own concept sometimes on football in the quarter-finals, a national tragedy. The Belgians are also delighted with their featured set, but the pressure is different: it is not the nation as such, but the Belgian "football generation" that is at it. test. "The fact that the match against Brazil is shaping our generation is a fact," said Belgian defender Vincent Kompany.

Already at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championship, Belgium had ambitions, but did not meet expectations. If Belgium clears the way the Brazilians did it up to here, it could be the big blow for Kompany, Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard or Guardian Thibaut Courtois

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Semi-finals at a major event, the Belgians reached in 1986 and then was against the final champion of Argentina (2: 0). "It's not that we have failed until here, but there is one more level than before," Kompany said. "We can do it through a match against Brazil."

Kompany: "This is our final"

The "Red Devils" are planning great things. "Brazil is one of the favorites of the tournament, but just look back and do our job, if you want to win a tournament, you have to beat each team," said midfielder De Bruyne [19659002] Japan at the last second triggered a wave of euphoria. One that she should now focus on the favorites. "We are going into the game to win, and qualifying for the quarter-finals has no significance if we can not do that," said De Bruyne.

Kompany is waiting for the most difficult test so far. "Brazil is the strongest team in this World Cup, but we are not scared," said the 32-year-old. The Manchester City defender is expected despite the lack of match practice and isolated weaknesses in Kazan's defensive behavior at the starting lineup. "

" Brazil in the final, I would have preferred, "said Kompany." But now it's our final. "The start should be appreciated by his team, so coach Roberto Martinez, from the first minute: "I do not think anyone will reach the semi-finals."

A series will break

Building statistics Brazil was unbeaten in 16 games and Belgium in 22nd place under Martinez

The offensive is also excellent in Russia: the striker Romelu Lukaku and his team have already applauded twelve times and more often.Brazil has remained without conceding 19 times under the patronage of the United States. Tite team and he's bottomed out, so only once per game. At this World Cup, the Selecao has up here – as Uruguay – conceded a single goal (against Switzerland .

That the "Canarinhos" (canaries) allow so little, was also largely the middle stabilizer of terrai n Casemiro, missing yellowed, Local media expecting Fernandinho of Manchester City as a substitute alongside Paulinho in the defensive midfielder. That the long distance runner Marcelo, whose absence in the match against Mexico was clear, healed his lumbago in time, will decide in the short term.

Neymar just under 14 minutes on the ground

The focus should be on the superstar Neymar go better and better The 26-year-old will lead his team in the semi-finals? Or is his penchant for theatrical staging still overflowing?

According to the game data provider "RTS", Neymar spent 13:50 minutes of the World Cup season lying on the ground or sitting. The actions of the artist dribble are permanent themes in the media.

Before the game Neymar, u.a. Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio – "a shame on football" – has accused the great elders of not taking part in the competition. "Neymar, plays as usual and does not pay attention to comments from other countries.", Rivaldo, who became 2002 world champion with Selecao, wrote on Instagram. "If you have to fall for a foul, fall, and if you need to save time on the field, do it."

In the 16th episode of LAOLA1 On Air – The Sports Podcast is on the summer training camp in Austria. The men who bring superstars to Austria have so many delights to report:

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