Brazil vs Belgium 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

Brazil vs Belgium 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

Belgium needed a comeback of immense proportions to survive their round of 16 match against Japan, as they saw Japan jump to a 2-0 lead. However, in the last 30 minutes of regulation, Belgium found the back of the net three times, as the Red Devils woke up and started applying their signature offensive pressure, and Japan could not hold them off. Brazil had to use a bit of patience in their approach to Mexico but was able to deliver a fairly routine 2-0 win. There are brilliant players on both sides here, and both teams can score in bunches, although Belgium has shown more goal-scoring savoir faire than their South American counterparts to this point in the tournament. Take a look at our World Cup betting preview of this match which is sure to be a classic.

Brazil vs Belgium 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

When: Friday, July 6, 2018, 2:00pm ET Where: Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia TV: FOX Radio: None Live Stream: fuboTV Soccer Odds: Brazil +104 / Draw +241 / Belgium +290

Why should you bet on Brazil?

Brazil stumbled out of the gate in this World Cup, just netting a draw against Switzerland to open group play and then needing extra time at the end of the second half against Costa Rica to get the win. Brazil looked more like their usual selves in the group play finale, taking down Serbia by a 2-0 score. When they took on Mexico, they faced a team that had already beaten Germany and played a part in sending Die Mannschaft home after group play, leaving the knockout rounds without Germany for the first time since 1938. Neymar (Paris St-Germain) was the catalyst for Brazil, getting the first goal against Mexico, and he should find some room to operate against a Belgian team that focuses forward, leaving holes in the back of their defense. If he can use the same sort of bedeviling footwork that has been a trademark of his career, he should get on the scoreboard and apply pressure to Belgium.

Why should you bet on Belgium?

Belgium might be the best young team left in this World Cup. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) has established himself as a scorer on the game’s biggest stages, and Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht) has lit up the opposition in this tournament. Eden Hazard has been less consistent than in years past, but he is always a danger to score and could get his redemption at any moment. Belgium scored nine goals in group play — five against Tunisia and three against Panama. The fact that their match went 1-0 against England had more to say about both sides resting key players knowing that advancement was certain — and that finishing second might actually lead to the better draw. One wonders what happened to Belgium in the first half against Japan, as they came out without any sort of organization, particularly in their back line, and Japan took advantage, scoring a pair of goals that had the Red Devils looking like they would be going home after just one game. The onslaught Belgium provided to win the game was impressive, but Belgium cannot afford the mental lapses that characterized the first two-thirds of that game if they want to stay competitive with Brazil.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Young, fast teams start to peter out at this point in the World Cup, because they come up against teams that have better systems in place and have a more cohesive XI which pull the ball out and send it forward, taking advantage of opportunities the other way. Brazil has the players in place to slow the Red Devils down and take advantage of their mistakes — but, unlike Japan, they also have the international experience at this level to keep Belgium down long enough to take the win. I predict a final score of Brazil 3, Belgium 2