Brazil lives up to its popularity as a WC favorite »Manila Sports Bulletin

After seeing Germany parade, the country has not seen it. Spain and Argentina Last week, in various states of distress, the Selecao reached the quarter-fin e final thanks to a 2-0 win against Mexico on Monday.

While aiming to raise the World Cup for the sixth time in Moscow on July 15, their next opponents are Belgium in Kazan on Friday, in what will be something of a shock of styles. – the best defense against the best attack.

This Brazilian team is not limited to Neymar, although its theatricality and intermittent magic, like its opening against Mexico is what immediately attracts attention and makes headlines.

Take a closer look and it becomes clear what really makes them tick – coach Tite has instilled admirable collective discipline and his teams are solidly established. 19659010] They conceded only one goal up here at this World Cup, and Steven Zuber's effort for Switzerland in a 1-1 draw at Rostov-on- the-Don could have been refused for a fault on Joao Miranda. Goaltender Alisson Becker has kept three good scores, with Brazil winning 2-0 against Costa Rica, Serbia and Mexico. They conceded just four shots in four matches

This is the kind of record that the Italians, former defensive masters who shine by their absence in Russia, would have been proud. "Juventus has been championing these last seven years, and only once without having the best defense," said the badistant of Tite Sylvinho, the former left-back of Arsenal and Barcelona, ​​after the match against Mexico.

"In such a short tournament, we want balance to be what characterizes us, and that does not make us a defensive team."

The story shows that the team with the best defense tends to win the trophy. And while Brazil has always possessed brilliant individuals, it has long been pragmatic above all else.

There will be moments of Neymar's magic, which will gradually come to grips with foot surgery in March – as long as they will go along with the defensive discipline.

Monday at Samara, Tite moved to a 4-4-2 formation after Mexico caused problems in Brazil, and they had a base to continue the game in the second half.

Fagner He could be a weak link at the right back, but there is strength in the whole team – Casemiro, Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho provide different qualities to the midfield, while Willian achieved his best performance against Mexico

Gabriel But for now, Roberto Firmino has not yet found the back of the net, but Roberto Firmino came off the bench on Monday and is trying to start .

Brazil defends against captain Thiago Silva. 19659010] This is our goal, "he said. "But always pointing out that the defensive part starts with the attackers.When the ball arrives in our area, it is much easier to cut it off.Our attackers play a big role."

And Friday, Brazil, which has the best defense of the tournament with Uruguay, will face a Belgian team that has been the most prolific with 12 goals scored. 19659010] For the moment, they are at the height of their billing, but it remains to be seen how they will cope in the absence of Casemiro, the power of Real Madrid that filters the defense of the midfielder .

He is suspended, meaning Fernandinho

The 33-year-old does not offer the same degree of protection, although his knowledge of Kevin De Bruyne, a colleague of the Manchester City club, can be invaluable then that Brazil will try to keep its sixth title. Go. ( Agence France-Presse )

Tags: Alison Becker, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, World Cup 2018