Belgium have been a machine so far in the World Cup, scoring like nobody's business. Brazil started slow in the tournament, but gradually came up to speed. Both sides are young, creative and fast. The winner knew they were getting France next.
At 8, Thiago Silva got a surprise touch on a Brazil corner right in front of goal, but it hit the post and Thibaut Courtois pounced on it to end the threat. A Nacer Chadli corner at 13' put Belgium on the board, 1-0. The ball swung in towards the goal and went off Fernandinho's arm into the net. Fernandinho had a terrible night. He never really got anything going and was a non-factor. A night to forget for him. Casemiro would have been a better choice, but he was suspended. At 31, Romelu Lukaku went on a run fron inside his own half, through a group of Brazilian players, and slid a pass to Kevin De Bruyne who put it in the net on a hard, angled shot. De Bruyne was allowed to get about six touches on the ball because Marcelo backed off as soon as he got the ball and continued to back-peddle, even as De Bruyne got to the edge of the box. You have to close in on him as he tries to enter the box, not keep letting him have space. Terrible!!! Philippe Coutinho uncorked a rocket of a shot at 37', but it was pushed aside by Courtois. At 76, Coutinho chiped a little pass onto the head of recent substitute, Renato Augusto who puts in the back of the net. Brazil not looking great, but game still on. Neymar had a chance at 90+4', but Thibaut Courtois just got his fingers on it to keep it from going in the top, right corner. Game over!
Belgium move on to play France. That should be an excellent semi-final. Both teams have class, speed, and both are young. Belgium will have to do with Thomas Meunier who picked up his second yellow of the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne was man of the match and rightfully so. He made everything happen. De Bruyne was everywhere. He is the presence on the field that might get Belgium past France. Brazil just didn't have anything going. Marcelo, Fernandinho, Fagner, Willian, Gabriel Jesus, and Neymar were pretty much worthless. How did Gabriel Jesus continue to get so much playing time when he hasn't shown anything all tournament? Roberto Firmino or Douglas Costa would have been better options. Neymar will be 30 by the next World Cup. Was this the window?