Belgium booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup by knocking out Brazil with a clinical 2-1 win in their quarter-final tie on Friday.
Brazil created the bulk of the chances in the early stages of the match, even coming close to scoring on three occasions. But, Belgium went on to score two goals within 17 minutes to grab a foothold in the game. The Red Devils opened the scoring through a Fernandinho own goal before a stunning strike by Kevin De Bruyne doubled their advantage.
Brazil subsequently had plenty of chances to not just score their first goal but also come back to equal terms in the game. But, their wastefulness would cost them as the Selecao managed to score convert just one opportunity, ultimately crashing out of the World Cup by the odd goal.
The clinical Belgian front-trio though, were raved about, with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku all producing fantastic performances on Friday. People also noted how the trident could have combined at Chelsea.
Brazil is out. Belgium’s front three—De Bruyne, Lukaku and Hazard—were absolutely incredible. What a game.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 6, 2018
Thought Lukaku was brilliant, thought Hazard was brilliant, but Kevin de Bruyne was just extraordinary. Against that class of opposition, too.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) July 6, 2018
When Belgium ran out of gas late on and Brazil rallied, it was Hazard taking pressure off his defence. The way he rode the challenges, then drew fouls because opponents couldn’t get the ball – you can’t ask for much more to close a game out. #BRABEL
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) July 6, 2018
Imagine Lukaku, De bruyne and Hazard at Chelsea? If they didn’t let them go what could of been! Oh, and Salah.
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) July 6, 2018
Roberto Martínez said that the players deserved more credit than himself because in just 2 days they accepted his ideas and executed his tactical plan by sacrificing themselves.
That trident of Hazard, De Bruyne and Lukaku were most impressive today.
— Arjun Pradeep (@IndianRegista) July 6, 2018
That was one of the best attacking halves of football in a World Cup knockout tie this century from #BEL. World-class from Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard. Neymar’s been cowed by Fellaini. #BRABEL
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 6, 2018
A front three of De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku: what Chelsea could’ve had
— Ryan Baldi (@RyanBaldiFW) July 6, 2018
Belgian counter attacks with De Bruyne, Hazard, and Lukaku… lethal
— O O (@otoiks) July 6, 2018
De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku are an incredible front three.
And it could have been Chelsea’s front three, but for one man. pic.twitter.com/TYq8xmKzhQ
— Coral (@Coral) July 6, 2018
Marouane Fellaini was the big change by Roberto Martinez on Friday, and the Manchester United midfielder vindicated his selection in colossal fashion.
I was alive when Marouane Fellaini bossed the midfield against Brazil, in a World Cup quarter final. We witnessed that.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) July 6, 2018
Have to give it to Marouane Fellaini, what a performance that was. Thwarted Brazil’s main creative players and got in the way of everything. Can see why managers do love him.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) July 6, 2018
Marouane Fellaini’s game by numbers vs. Brazil:
7 aerial duels won
4 blocks
3 clearances
3 tackles won??? pic.twitter.com/U3cAkbnFN7
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 6, 2018
Can’t believe I just witnessed Marouane Fellaini pocket Neymar for a full 90 minutes. Unreal.
— Ryan. ? (@Vintage_Utd) July 6, 2018
Fellaini about to win the World Cup?? pic.twitter.com/ZKvVSr6yBe
— ?? (@DontWexMan) July 6, 2018
Meanwhile, Neymar became the subject of jokes, even though he created a number of chances albeit without truly stepping up in the game.
Video of Neymar at the airport ???? pic.twitter.com/KuAkkkuTvz
— SA_BLACKTWITTA (@BlackTwittaSA_) July 7, 2018
Other players will go Brazil through the plane and Neymar like this.? #BRABEL #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IGrZtOGErg
— Sanjay bc (@BcSanjay) July 7, 2018
Tarnishes the beautiful game. Glad you gone. #Neymar #Disgraceful pic.twitter.com/jNwpSqKIHz
— Rico Bessé (@dicbest) July 7, 2018
Neymar just keeps rolling & rolling. Doesn’t seem like he wants to stop! #BRABEL pic.twitter.com/ph552Rq2Qk
— The Great Belgium (@TheGreatBelgium) July 7, 2018
