Jonathan Wilson’s words about Kazan will surely echo through
the ages: “In years to come when this stadium is a crumbling white elephant,
they will sit in almost empty stands, hear the wind whisper across the marsh
that surrounds it, and believe what they hear are the ghosts of giants. In
three games, Kazan has claimed the winners of 11 World Cups.” The ghosts of
footballing greatness lingered in the air, but for some, the spectre of failure
overshadowed the hallowed turf.
But the biggest shock for many came on June 7, 2018, when
Brazil—still the overwhelming favourite—lost to Belgium in a dramatic
quarterfinal. With all due respect to Belgium, who had a formidable team,
Brazil's surrender felt like a betrayal of their legacy. The Samba Boys had all
the qualities necessary to lift the trophy—flair, skill, and an almost
invincible aura. But despite dominating the opening stages, Brazil were undone
by a combination of mistakes, missed opportunities, and clinical finishing from
Roberto Martínez’s men. To the astonishment of millions of Brazil's loyal
supporters, Belgium weathered the storm and advanced to the semifinals for the
first time in 32 years.
A Brazil defeat in the knockout stage of a World Cup is a
shock to the system, a jarring experience that takes the sheen off the
tournament for many. For decades, Brazil’s presence at the global stage has
been synonymous with brilliance. Their elimination—especially at the hands of a
side like Belgium—was nothing short of heartbreaking for their fans.
Why Brazil Lost
Several factors contributed to Brazil’s downfall on that
fateful night, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the defeat was a result
of a series of unfortunate decisions and events.
First and foremost was the absence of Casemiro, Brazil’s
anchor in midfield. His defensive presence was sorely missed, as Fernandinho,
his replacement, struggled throughout the match. Not only did Fernandinho fail
to protect the defence, but his unfortunate own goal sealed Brazil's fate. His
inability to contain Kevin de Bruyne and win the ball back when Belgium pressed
was a pivotal issue.
Secondly, Tite’s decision to start Marcelo over Felipe Luis
raised eyebrows. With Romelu Lukaku playing deeper as a winger on the right,
Brazil’s left-back was required to be more conservative in his positioning.
Marcelo, however, was caught out of position on several occasions, leaving
Lukaku with too much space to exploit. When Lukaku played a ball into de
Bruyne, the Belgian maestro did what he does best, scoring a sensational goal that
Brazil had little chance of recovering from.
As the match progressed, Brazil found their rhythm. Tite
made attacking substitutions, bringing on Firmino and Douglas Costa, but their
efforts seemed to fall short. Brazil unleashed wave after wave of attacks—over
20 shots on goal—but Belgium's defence held firm, with Thibaut Courtois in
particularly imperious form. The Belgian goalkeeper was reminiscent of a wall,
as he thwarted Brazil's best efforts with save after save.
Neymar’s
Disappointing Performance
Then there was Neymar. The Brazilian talisman, who had been
hyped as the man who would lead his country to World Cup glory, was
disappointingly absent when Brazil needed him most. Neymar had his moments, but
the spark and magic that we associate with Brazilian football legends like
Pelé, Garrincha, Romário, and Ronaldo was missing. His performance was far from
the game-changing influence fans had hoped for, and even his PSG teammate,
Thomas Meunier, remarked on Neymar's lacklustre display. The weight of
expectation proved too much for the 26-year-old, who failed to make the impact
that Brazil so desperately needed.
The VAR Controversy
Adding to Brazil’s woes was the controversial role of VAR.
Throughout the tournament, Brazil felt that they were not given the necessary
support from referees or VAR. The tackle by Vincent Kompany on Gabriel Jesus in
the penalty box, which many thought should have been a penalty, was not
reviewed, and no action was taken. Whether it was a case of bias or simply bad
luck, the lack of favourable calls left many Brazilian fans frustrated and
feeling unjustly treated.
Unlucky Brazil?
Luck, as they say, plays a significant role in football, and
on that night, Brazil had none on their side. As Jonathan Wilson pointed out,
Belgium rode their luck, enduring numerous close calls. Thiago Silva’s header
against the post, Paulinho’s miss, and Courtois’s heroic saves were all moments
where fortune could have swung in Brazil’s favor. Yet, Belgium remained
resilient, cutting through Brazil on the counterattack, always looking
dangerous with every break forward.
Martínez’s Tactical
Masterstroke
Roberto Martínez deserves immense credit for his tactical
acumen. The Belgian coach was under immense pressure, yet his switch to a 4-3-3
formation from his usual 3-4-3 proved decisive. His use of Kevin de Bruyne as a
false nine allowed the Belgian attack to stretch Brazil's defence, while Lukaku
dropped deep to link up play. The tactical flexibility of Martínez, combined
with the speed and directness of his players, created problems that Brazil
struggled to solve.
Conclusion
Brazil’s exit from the World Cup is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite being well-prepared, the dream of a sixth World Cup title—HEXA—remains unfulfilled. This defeat, though painful, is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where the best-laid plans can be undone by a series of unfortunate events and decisions. The shock of Brazil’s departure will linger in the hearts of millions, but as the tournament progresses, the world will move on. For now, Brazil’s golden generation must return home and reflect on a missed opportunity, while Belgium moves on, continuing their quest for glory.
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