2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Predictions – Brazil vs. Belgium

The Selecao and the Red Devils meet in the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals as the stakes fly sky-high to bring home the glory. Read on to get Brazil vs. Belgium predictions.

World Cup Quarterfinals – Brazil vs. Belgium

• Date: June 28, 2018
• Betting Odds: Brazil +117 vs Belgium +266 – Draw +250

Brazil is the favorite to progress to the semifinals, but they’ll be tested by Belgium’s “Golden Generation” that just got done with one of the greatest World Cup comebacks in history after being down by two goals against Japan.

Brazil Analysis

All eyes are on Neymar Jr. to finally bring back the glory days of Brazil’s fabled soccer might. The 26-year-old PSG striker scored Brazil's first goal and set up the other in Monday's 2-0 win over Mexico.

But, not all is good and well within Brazil’s ranks despite being loaded up chock-full of talent. Brazil has eight starters who played in the Champions League knockout round this year but have not fully convinced its fans who obviously expect the best from their team given its World Cup history.

Brazil defeated a difficult Mexican squad in the previous stage to make their seventh last-eight appearance. To be fair, Brazil has improved as the tournament progresses despite Neymar’s antics that have overshadowed their performance.

Regardless, the Brazilian squad has delivered and Neymar is at front and center of their winning efforts:

Most shots on target 12
Most chances created 16
Most fouls suffered 23
Most dribbles attempted 35

Neymar has been causing havoc for #BRA at the #WorldCup so far. pic.twitter.com/yP6YVGr2Mo

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2018

Neymar, Willian, and Philippe Coutinho should be able to exploit a few weaknesses in Belgium’s defense that allowed Japan many openings for scoring opportunities.

Brazil, however, will be without the best midfielder after Real Madrid holding player Casemiro was booked against Mexico. His suspension leaves open a vulnerability for Belgium’s attack.

Though they’ve been solid on defense, they are yet to face a team with anything like the offensive capability that Belgium possesses.

Brazil Predicted Lineup: Alisson, Fagner, Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Coutinho, Willian, Neymar, Jesus.

Belgium Analysis

Belgium might head into this game emboldened by their recent come-from-behind win against Japan. So far, they’ve proved what they can be capable of even up against the ropes.

They are the top scorers in the World Cup with 3 goals per game on average with an average of 3.67 GPG when they’ve played their strongest line-up.

However, conceding two goals early in their match against Brazil would probably spell doom for the Red Devils as Tite’s side is a completely different animal than Japan.

Belgium showed some weaknesses on defense that could be exploited by Brazil’s formidable attack which could open scoring opportunities with quick counter-attacks.

The Belgian squad is also full of talent with players such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne who are capable breaking through Brazil’s defense and score. Casemiro’s suspension also favors Belgium, leaving Brazil’s back four more exposed than what it’s been so far.

Belgium Predicted Lineup: Courtois, Vertonghen, Kompany, Alderweireld, Chadli, Witsel, Dembele, Meunier, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku

Brazil vs. Belgium Stats

• Brazil has been knocked out of the World Cup by a European side in each of the last three tournaments (vs France in 2006, the Netherlands in 2010 and Germany in 2014).
• Belgium has reached consecutive World Cup quarter-finals for the first time – they lost at this stage to Argentina in 2014.
• Belgium has scored 12 goals so far in the 2018 World Cup – at no single tournament in the competition have they scored more (also 12 in 1986).
• Brazil is unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions (W11 D4), conceding just three goals in that run.

Game Prediction: If you’re looking for a game with the potential of many scoring opportunities, this is likely the game. Look for Neymar to score on Brazil’s side and Lukaku for Belgium. The OVER holds value in this game.