Three consecutive World Cups eliminated by Europeans
Brazil carries bitter memories of its Old Continent rivals, including the most recent and painful one: the humiliating elimination at home against Germany.
After winning their fifth title in Korea Japan 2002, the Verdeamarela was eliminated in the quarterfinals by France in 2006. The same fate awaited them four years later in South Africa when they fell to the Netherlands in the same stage. Then they suffered a 7-1 thrashing at their own home against the Mannschaft, which would go on to win the tournament.
But this selection under Tite is very different from previous ones. They play a 'European style' but do not give up on the traditional jogo bonito.
See also: Tite was critical of Neymar in 2012 for simulating an injury, today he defends him
If Brazil and Neymar want to continue on the path to their sixth World Cup championship, they have to overcome a new European obstacle in the quarterfinals today in Kazan: Belgium, the most potent attacking team in the tournament so far.
"Belgium's creative power is very strong, the quality. It's going to be a great game," Tite predicted during a press conference yesterday. "Both teams prioritize beautiful football, each with their own characteristics. Belgium has individual players of quality, a great coach, and a great campaign. It's going to be a great game."
Tite confirmed the return of left-back Marcelo, who has recovered from a back spasm. He also stated that he had spoken with Filipe Luis about the change.
The track record for Brazil against the Red Devils is in favor of the Canarinha. In fact, the European team has a poor record against South American rivals in World Cups, having lost three of their last four matches against them. The Belgians have also failed to score any goals in those matches.
The last time Brazilians and Belgians crossed paths was in the 2002 World Cup, when a team led by Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho defeated the European team 2-0, paving the way to their fifth championship.
Brazil faces what is considered the best generation in Belgian football history, a team hungry to create a sensation in Russia after falling short four years ago, losing 1-0 to Argentina in the quarterfinals.
They are the team that has scored the most goals so far in the tournament (12) and enter this phase after their extraordinary comeback to defeat Japan 3-2 in the round of 16.
"Maybe this is the kind of match we need for the future," highlighted Belgian star Eden Hazard.
However, the Europeans will face a Brazil team that has only conceded one goal in four matches and has a Neymar anxious to stay in the spotlight until the end.
Belgium's coach Roberto Martínez knows that history is not on their side: "From our point of view, we are going to enjoy it from the first second."
2-0 - Only confrontation
The Canarinha defeated the Belgian national team in the 2002 World Cup. It happened in the round of 16 and Luiz Felipe Scolari's team eventually became the champion.
Brazil
Alisson; Fágner, T. Silva, Miranda, Marcelo; Fernandinho, Paulinho; Willian, Coutinho, Neymar; Gabriel Jesus. Coach: Tite.
Belgium
Courtois; Vertonghen, Kompany, Alderweireld; Witsel, De Bruyne, Chadli, Meunier; Fellaini, Hazard; Lukaku. Coach: Roberto Martínez.
Referee: Milorad Masic (Serbia)
Time: 13:00 Ecuador
Stadium: Kazan Arena
Transmission: DirecTV Sports
It's a game that, when you are a kid, you dream of being involved in during a World Cup: facing Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Roberto Martínez, Belgian coach
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