The 2018 Fifa World Cup has been quite the whirlwind of emotions for fans of soccer and more specifically, fans of nations that were favorites to win it all. With Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal already out of the tournament, it leaves a lot of room for upsets, surprises victories and exciting games.
However, if there is any game that may be a deciding one in this tournament it is the upcoming matchup between Brazil and Belgium. Both are teams that are ranked in the top 10 internationally at Soccer and have been in great form throughout the tournament. Yes, both have had their inconsistencies but when it comes to winning, they’ve done pretty much all you could ask for.
Both Brazil & Belgium topped their respective groups in the round robin stages of the tournament before facing Mexico & Japan in the first round of the knockout stages, respectively. Brazil, led by Neymar and the offensive juggernaut Brazilians blew by a Mexican team that looked lost out there on the field. The Brazilians sheer talent led them to an easy 2-0 victory in that game. For Belgium, it was a bit of a different story. Being the obvious favorites to win against Japan didn’t help them in breezing by the Japanese. Japan scored 2 amazing goals against them to put them up 2-0 but Belgium knew what was at stake. With an all-star cast like Eden Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Fellaini and Leroy Sane, they did not give up. They quickly realized their size advantage against the smaller Japanese defenders and scored two goals off a cross leading to a header. Tied 2-2 in the last minutes of extra time, Belgium used a counter-attack to stun Japan and win 3-2.
Although the knockout stages didn’t necessarily show the best of both teams, you can bet that both clubs will be preparing to bring their A-game on Friday. They both have the offensive firepower to score multiple goals so do not be shocked if this is a high scoring affair. The real question is who will be able to top the other? Brazil has the experience. Belgium has the composure. With this game coming down to the wire, the game will be determined by the stars of the match.
This will be an ultimate showdown on Friday and I for one cannot wait.
