Roberto Martinez makes two changes from the side that started their exciting last-16 match with Japan which Belgium won 3-2. Nacer Chadli earns his place in the starting XI after scoring the winning goal, replacing Yannick Carrasco.
In central midfield, Marouane Fellaini will play alongside Axel Witsel, with Kevin De Bruyne moving further up the pitch to support Romelu Lukaku. To make this tactical adjustment, Roberto Martinez has decided to sacrifice Dries Mertens, who will start the match from the bench.
Tite will be without three key players today as Douglas Costa’s hamstring and Danilo’s ankle have not healed in time – keeping them out of the tie. The other absentee for is Casemiro who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. In response, Tite makes two changes from the side that beat Mexico 2-0 in the last-16. Marcelo is fully healthy and ready to reprise his role at left-back, replacing Felipe Luis. In central midfield, Manchester City’s Fernandinho is the holding player who will maintain the balance and tempo instead of Casemiro.
Belgium substitutes: Dedryck Boyata, Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Leander Dendoncker, Thorgan Hazard, Youri Tielemans, Adnan Januzaj, Yannick Carrasco, Mousa Dembele, Thomas Vermaelen.
Belgium Starting XI (3-4-2-1): Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Nacer Chadli, Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier; Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne; Romelu Lukaku.
Brazil substitutes: Geromel, Filipe Luis, Douglas Costa, Renato Augusto, Marquinhos, Cassio, Fred, Roberto Firmino, Taison, Ederson.
Brazil Starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo; Paulinho, Fernandinho, Coutinho; Willian, Gabriel Jesus, Neymar.
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