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KAZAN: Belgian coach Roberto Martinez has confessed he has no secrets in plotting to end Brazil's bid to win a sixth World Cup for its quarter-final "dream" at Kazan Friday.
But the nation's "golden generation" has been remembered as the match against the favorites could represent the last chance for them to shine on the world stage. "It's a dream match for our players," Martinez told the Belgian press. for the last eight, with a final 3-2 victory over Japan in the first phase of the knockout rounds
"There will not be many secrets to the game. We must defend the best possible "
" It's as simple as that, and this team is ready for that. "
On paper, a Belgian side containing the talents of Eden Hazard of Chelsea, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Manchester Striker Romelu Lukaku has the potential to cause trouble at the World Cup. [19659002] But despite crossing the group stage, Martinez's ambitious Red Devils have their work cut out to qualify for the final of July 15 in Moscow.
Belgium ranked third reached the quarter-finals in 2014 Brazil, but before that, the last time they arrived in 1986, when the & # 39; Little Prince & # 39; Frank Vercauteren led them to the semi-finals before a double Diego Maradona does not put an end to his hopes of losing 2-0 in Mexico.
Vercauteren said before the tournament that Russia represented "perhaps one of the last chances for this generation of players to meet expectations because in 2022 many of them will not be there".
On Monday Belgium beat Japan with Nacer Chadli scoring the winner in the 94th minute
Becoming the first team in 48 years to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a knockout match the World Cup was a "proud moment" for Martinez. It was a test for the team and its character. "
Threat of Neymar
Despite nine victories of victories over Panama (3-0), Tunisia (5-2) and England ( 1-0) before the match against Japan, Belgium It is necessary to go up the game significantly to beat a Brazil who dances more and more on the air of the attacker Neymar.
Neymar has reported that he had indeed put a recent injury behind him with an incisive performance in a 2 -0 wins over Mexico at Samara, where he scored the first goal and set up Roberto Firmino for his first goal in World Cup.
Neymar is still waiting for more, whose rhythm, technique and global vision Brazil has another dimension
For all the offensive assets of Brazil, the biggest problem in Belgium could be to break through a solid defense that conceded only once, in their 1-1 draw against Switzerland. [19659002] Brazilian central defender Joao Miranda and Thiago Silva have been solid and aim to maintain this position as the five champions aim for a spot in the semifinals and a match against France or Uruguay.
"We are making progress, that's obvious," said Silva after their victory over Mexico. "It was a complicated match against a dangerous side, but we were solid at the back."
Mistakes such as those that allowed Japan to take a two-goal lead will surely be punished by Neymar but it's Brazil's defense "As a former defender, I love watch Silva and Miranda play, "said former French defender William Gallas in his role as consultant for French radio RMC. ]
"They are the best center-back of this World Cup." – AFP
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