In-form Romelu Lukaku will be key to Belgium’s plans to unlock Brazil’s formidable defence in Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal.
The 25-year-old Manchester United striker has already begun to silence his critics with a four-goal haul in Russia.
But his impressive goalscoring prowess and his aim to be remembered as Belgian’s most successful goalscorer faces its sternest test in Kazan against a Selecao defence that has conceded only once in four World Cup games so far.
On the eve of their quarterfinal Lukaku brimmed with confidence as he called on Belgium to show they deserve to live up to pre-tournament expectations.
“I’ve told the lads nothing in life is easy, you have to fight for it,” said Lukaku.
“We’re up against the favourites, but this will show us where we stand as a team. We’re not prepared just to settle for second best.”