Belgium are through to the World Cup semifinals following their 2-1 quarterfinal win over Brazil on Friday, thanks to an own goal from Fernandinho and a laser-guided strike from Kevin De Bruyne.
Positives
Belgium score very easy these days. Against Brazil, Roberto Martinez's team netted their 13th and 14th goals of this World Cup. Efficient.
Negatives
Belgium came under pressure after the goal from Renato Augusto, but didn't crash. Great teamwork.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Martinez made two changes this time. Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli came on for Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco. Belgium were a joy to watch in the first half, and defended well in the second. Tactical masterpiece.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 8 -- Had a lot of luck in the beginning of the game with Thiago Silva's effort hitting the post. Made a lot of great saves. No chance at the goal from Augusto. World class.
DF Toby Alderweireld, 7 -- As Brazil applied more pressure in the second half, Alderweireld had to be alert. Few mistakes against Neymar.
DF Vincent Kompany, 7 -- What. A. Start. For. Belgium. Great header, thanks to his Manchester City teammate Fernandinho, his header went into the goal. Lucky. Also was lucky with the VAR's decision after his tackle on Gabriel Jesus.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 7 -- Difficult evening being tasked with stopping Neymar. Long balls from behind, not always good with his passing under pressure. Too late to react to the goal from Augusto. Saw his direct opponent Willian subbed off. Superman.
DF Thomas Meunier, 6 -- Didn't give his mark any space. Needed eyes in the back of his head. Good defending. Will miss the next match after a foul on Neymar.
MF Axel Witsel, 6 -- Good passing. Not his best game of the tournament. Decent, nothing more.
MF Kevin De Bruyne, 7 -- Scored a great goal. Perfect shot in the left corner, left Alisson with no chance. Very important in every counterattack, but not always successful like against Japan with the late winner.
MF Marouane Fellaini, 7 -- Hardworking. Fought for every inch of grass, and blocked several shots.
MF Nacer Chadli, 6 -- Job done. Did what was asked of him and left with what is hoped to be a minor injury.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 -- What a great assist on De Bruyne's goal. Unstoppable. A real threat on every counterattack.
FW Eden Hazard, 9 -- Such was his magic, completing 10 successful dribbles, that he looked Brazilian. Outstanding.
Substitutes
DF Thomas Vermaelen, NR -- Came on as an extra defender to protect the 2-1 lead. No big impact.
MF Youri Tielemans, NR -- No attacker up front in the last minutes of the game. All defending in the end for an epic win.