Brazil and Belgium meet on Friday evening as the World Cup stakes heighten further.

The Selecao overcame a stubborn Mexico to make their seventh last-eight spot on the trot, while the Red Devils came from two goals down to beat Japan with virtually the last kick of their last-16 clash.

This will be by a distance the biggest test either nation has faced in Russia thus far and a semi-final place in the prize.

Start time

Brazil take on Belgium at the Kazan Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm BST.

TV, online and live stream coverage

The match will be televised live on BBC One. Viewers can stream the match online via the BBC iPlayer.

You will be able to follow the match with Standard Sport's dedicated LIVE blog

Head to head

Brazil and Belgium have played each other four times, with Selacao winning three. They met most recently in the 2002 World Cup last-16 stage, which saw Rivaldo and Ronaldo earn a 2-0 win.


Team news

Brazil will be without Casemiro, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow of the tournament. Fernandinho is likely to come in.

Gabriel Jesus's starting spot could be in doubt after another positive impact from substitute Roberto Firmino.


Belgium have no fresh injury concerns.

Predicted starting line-ups

Brazil XI: Alisson; Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Willian, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Coutinho; Neymar, Firmino

Belgium XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen; Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco; Mertens, Lukaku, Hazard

iamJ:
attention seeking senseless person, to get your acct verifed isnt hard na, how abt he shuts up do it and continue seeking attention, every nonsense to gain followers, bloody millionaire

meanwhile get out
[img]https://media./images/c4b9c914c5bcb71c73a413addaaf45cc/tenor.gif[/img]

kelskay:
ah! I jus tire for myself, since January fa, I've spent 10k on drugs

ghuzy01:
Its obvious there is so much politics in football. They almost robbbed korea too by saying their goal was offside, if not for their persistence.same with Senegal.when did FIFA start their fair play rule.woyld they have used it against a big name??

Dottore:
Our loss is unfortunate and avoidable at the soccer match. Soccer is not Nigeria's immediate problem now. We have loads of domestic issues that need urgent attention.
NFF and Sports Ministry Officials are having a field day here in Russia. Many Nigerians fans have been stranded because the officials horded the tickets and refused to pay hotel bills of the fans that they brought to Russia. They are busy playing politics and tribalism with the whole process. I wouldn't be surprised if they have succeeded in bribing the few Nigerian journalists that raised concern about the anomaly. Many Nigerians were locked out their hotel rooms because of many days payment of bills.

LordAdamX:


The other GOAT contenders don't think Messi "is far ahead of" CR7. Pele and Maradona are on record for saying they'd rather have Ronaldo than Messi in their team. And Zidane said CR7 is better than him. So if legitimate GOAT contenders have said that, why should I listen to your opinion.

In fact, your "far ahead" statement has exposed the fact that you are a Messi fanatic! No reasonable person says Messi is "far ahead" of CR7!

Moreover, I don't want to debate who is better. Your opinion is your opinion, and mine is mine. At the end of the day you can't convince me otherwise, and I'm willing to bet I can't convince you either.

-Lord

Emekus92:

at least beat Korea 3-0

Germany must qualify unless they fail to beat Korea

daannyy:

No sweetie..germany will want to win south korea with a very wide margin..Mexico will wanna destroy sweden to top the group to avoid belgium in the round of 16..Sweden can't win mexico 3-0 germany still has a better goal difference

Martinez19:
Ewo! Is there a stage beyond knock-out? And you call yourself a football fan.

Coneheads:

what are you saying,what do you mean by "it all lies on Mexico's hand?
If the Swedes beat Mexico,Germany could also beat Korea rep nah. They are equal on points. If it happens and ends that way,the Germans have the upper hand if head to head,as in who won when they met,is used to determine who qualifies

Gaddafithe2nd:
This is the Germany I have been supporting since 1996. Great game germany. This game made me remembered Germany vs England in Euro 1996. Die Mannschaft, I always believe in this team.

frankmoney:
the people who hate Ronaldo are Barca fans and Chelsea fans inclusive and also other useless clubs Ronaldo has dealt with

Disneylady:

I'm a die hard Arsenal fan but I just too love Messi despite all the thrashings he gives us

Disneylady:

And no Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool and some of Arsenal fans will ever like Messi

Viralkid:
Is this a lesson of civility or a lesson of slavery, coming to another man's land to clean up their stadium when has such ever happened. They're probably doing this for the visa.. who knows

Ihateyoumod:
Did the commentator just say tht Senegal is the African nation to score on the opening matches.........Tunisia nah wetin ...European team