Tite has boldly decided to reveal Brazil’s starting XI more than 24 hours before their World Cup quarter-final clash with Belgium. Brazil reached the last eight of the tournament after a 2-0 victory over Mexico and are the bookmakers’ favourites to progress through to the semi-finals on Friday evening. In the lead-up to Brazil’s defeat of Mexico, Tite made the unorthodox decision to release his team early – and it did not appear to aid their opponents at the Samara Arena.
And Tite has once again named his starting XI well in advance of Brazil’s much-anticipated encounter with Belgium. Marcelo, who was out with a back problem against Mexico, returns in place of Filipe Luis at left-back and Manchester City star Fernandinho will start ahead of Casemiro in midfield. Brazil's starting XI vs Belgium Alisson; Fagner; Silva; Miranda; Marcelo; Paulinho; Fernandinho; Coutinho; Willian; Jesus; Neymar There were calls for Roberto Firmino to replace the out-of-form Gabriel Jesus in Brazil’s side after his goal against Mexico. However, Tite has decided to keep the faith in the City striker and Firmino must settle for a place on the bench at the Kazan Arena.
Ahead of the match, Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku defended Neymar, with the Brazilian being accused of diving in Russia. ‘Neymar? Skilful, to me he’s not an actor,’ Lukaku said. ‘He has qualities that are out of the ordinary. Neymar in the future will be the best player in the world. ‘I’m happy I’ll be playing against him for the second time.’
http://www.sportfocus.com.ng/2018/07/tite-reveals-brazils-starting-xi-world-cup-quarter-final-clash-belgium.html