Belgian defender Vincent Kompany has today revealed his opinion that Brazil are the strongest side at this summer’s World Cup, ahead of the quarter-final clash between the two countries on Friday. The nations are set to go head to head in the 2nd of the day’s final-8 fixtures tomorrow, in one of the most high-profile showdowns of the competition thus far.
Belgium secured progression to the quarter-finals in stunning circumstances on Monday night, overturning a 2-goal deficit to eventually clinch a winning goal with the last kick of the game versus Japan.
Brazil, meanwhile, made relatively short work of Mexico in their own last-16 tie on Monday afternoon, with goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino having done the damage.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports earlier today, Kompany, who will no doubts have his hands full up against the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Manchester City teammate Gabriel Jesus tomorrow, discussed his side’s prospects versus the might of the South American giants: ‘Individually, Brazil are the strongest team in this World Cup. That is a compliment but it doesn’t affect our chances against them. None of us are going to sleep at night thinking: ‘We have already lost to Brazil. Defensively they are solid, they win all their defensive duels and in attack, they are not scared to take people on one on one. They always have a key to unlock any situation.’