BRAZIL vs BELGIUM - TACTICAL PREVIEW

Hazard has the chance to do something big with his national team

This was a match expected to happen when foreseeing the World Cup and fortunately it will happen, as it's has the making of a great match. Brazil and Belgium have world class players in every area of the pitch, very interesting tactics and smart managers who can change the match from the dugout. And if there's something that's going to be important in this match is the tactical set up, taking the mental aspect as a given in a stage like this one. 

Brazil will see the return of Marcelo to the left back position after recovering from his injury, something that will give a further threat down the left, as they will be able to put even more pressure on the right wingback who will have to cope with him plus Neymar and Coutinho. What that threesome does will be a big factor in the outcome of the match, as is the area with most creativity in the Canarinha and has the ability to expose some of the tactical deficiencies of Belgium. To compensate, the Red Devils' manager plans to reinforce the middle of the pitch and set up in a 3-5-2 to give the team more balance and avoid some of the defensive problems endured so far in the tournament, and that would be even more exposed by the players they will face.

Marcelo is back and this tandem with Neymar can wreak havoc

That's why one of Marouane Fellaini or Mousa Dembélé will be of the match instead of Mertens, switching a striker for a midfielder. Tottenham's player has never been a starter next to Witsel under Martínez, so it's more likely we'll see the physique and strength of United's man to work as the man to bring balance and help in the middle. The other change the Spanish manager will do is on the left wingback, as the doubts about Yannick Carrasco's ability to defend were expose in this World Cup, he hasn't played well and Willian's presence down that flank can be dangerous if he's not controlled. Besides, his replacement Nacer Chadli is with the morale on the roof after scoring the winning goal against Japan and, being a left-footer he can provide more width and give better services to Romelu Lukaku. 

Chadli and Fellaini will start after being instrumental in the comeback against Japan

United's striker will have a fierce duel against Thiago Silva and Miranda in what will be one of the key areas of the match. Clearly he won't have the physical advantage he had against Japan, but the defenders will have to keep him always on their sight, something that can open up space for Eden Hazard who will start as a second striker on the left and who can be deadly if given space, even more so considering Tite won't be able to play Casemiro in the middle. The Real Madrid player is one of the manager's favorites but is suspended and will be Fernandinho the one in charge of bringing balance to the team. The Manchester City man will have to be at his best defensively, especially when handling his club teammate Kevin De Bruyne who will have a better defensive backup which will give him more freedom to attack. He's got outstanding game vision and with his short and long passing range he can be dangerous if given time and space. 

That's why it won't be crazy to think that Brazil will give Belgium the ball, as they are very confident in their defensive capabilities, as they have conceded only 6 goals in 25 matches with Tite in command. Besides, this could allow a three vs three in attack, with Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Willian facing Alderweireld, Kompany and Vertonghen who are good defenders but lack the speed of the Brazilian trio. Belgium must avoid those situations and will also need to limit Coutinho's influence in the match. If the Barcelona man can take the reins of the match and create chances with quick passes to his forwards, the Red Devils will be in danger. Another important aspect are Paulinho's runs from deep, as he can catch the defenders by surprise and give Brazil a numerical advantage if Witsel or Fellaini don't track back quick.

Fernandinho will have job replacing Casemiro and holding De Bruyne and Hazard

The tactical aspect will change during the match, as there's top class players and managers. Brazil is favorite (2.1) as they have a more balanced and experienced team, but in front they have a squad that knows they are in their moment to shine. So far they have done well, but Belgium needs a big win in a big tournament so this generation doesn't go to waste. Semifinals are at stake, the one who wins the tactical battle, who can move the ball with more fluidity, and who can handle the pressure better, will have more the chances to win.