The people of Kazan can consider themselves lucky. They have already witnessed some legendary games at the beautiful Kazan Arena to make them want to come back for more in the city's final game. They are almost at the end of their elaborate feast, which included classics like Argentina losing to France and South Korea upsetting the defending champions. Their grand finale, though, involves two of the tournament's best teams—the Red Devils of Belgium against the Selecao of Brazil.
The attacking prowess of both sides involves tons of class and plenty of characters as was evident in the round of 16 games they played. Brazil coolly dismissed Mexico, whose will to fight evaporated in Samara's summer sun as the game progressed. Neymar, Coutinho and Willian would take credit for the win, but the Brazil defence has been incredibly solid to ignore.
The real fighters were the Japanese, who put two past Belgium and continued fighting for a third, instead of sitting back and defending. But, the Belgians showed why they are title contenders, by smashing three goals to cap off a thriller of a game.
Belgium have won all four of their Cup games so far, while Brazil has drawn once and won the other three. It is only in that drawn game to Switzerland that the Latin Americans have conceded a goal, keeping three clean sheets for the best defensive record by any team.
The Brazilian attackers though will be looking to take advantage of Belgium's defensive frailties, speed being the former's forte. Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld were slow to react to the quick-footed Japanese, and Brazil will be a level above that.
Considering the number of stars on both sides, it really is a face off between some of the best players in the European football circuit. But managers Tite and Roberto Martinez have done well to make the stars work together and gel as a unit.
Brazil's Casemiro will miss the game, having collected two yellow cards. But with Fernandinho around, Tite has nothing to worry about. Right back Danilo has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after he picked up an injury. Fagner has been deputising for him. Marcelo, who missed the last game, looks fit to play. For Belgium, Martinez has his full squad at his disposal.
Despite how big this clash is, it is unfortunate for both teams that it is facing off in the quarterfinals. It would be an insult for Brazil not to make it to the semis, while this generation of Belgium stars look the best bet in their country's history to go all the way. The setting in Kazan might be scenic, but the battle on the field tonight will be brutal.
Kickoff at 11:30pm IST.
Probable lineups:
Brazil (4-3-3): Fagner, Alisson B., T. Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Phillipe Coutinho, Willian, Gabriel Jesus, Neymar
Belgium (3-4-3): T. Courtois, T. Alderweireld, V. Kompany, J. Vertonghen, T. Meunier, A. Witsel, K. DeBruyne, Y. Carrasco, D. Mertens, R. Lukaku, E. Hazard