Big Match Breakdown: Brazil v Belgium

Odds, tips and preview for QF tie

Two of the World Cup’s big guns face-off this evening for a place in the semi-finals as Brazil clash with Belgium in Kazan.

The Samba Boys cruised past Mexico in the round-of-16, thanks in no small part to the histrionics of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.

Opponents Belgium produced the comeback of the tournament against Japan to prevail 3-2 after being 2-0 down in the contest.

It’s all set up to be a close-fought tie between two of the tournament favourites. And it’s one the Coral News Team has previewed with a Big Match Breakdown.

Head-to-Head

Tonight’s clash will be the fifth time the two nations have met and their first encounter since the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

The Samba Boys triumphed 2-0 on that occasion, with goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldo booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Belgium have not beaten the South Americans since a Jacques Stockman hat-trick gave the Red Devils a seismic 5-1 victory way back in 1963.

Likely XIs

Tite will have to do without Casemiro after the midfielder picked up his second booking of the tournament against Mexico. Fernandinho will come in for him. Marcelo could also replace Felipe Luis at full-back, while Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is pushing for his first start in place of Gabriel Jesus.

Roberto Martinez has no new injury or suspension worries but could include Marouane Fellaini after the midfielder impressed off the bench against Japan. He may replace Dries Mertens, freeing up Kevin De Bruyne to play further forward.