The Selecao were the most prolific side during the qualifiers in the CONMEBOL zone by a mile, but had uncharacteristically struggled in the tournament proper. The 2-0 win over Mexico in the last-16 was perhaps the one instance where they hit all the right notes, despite scoring two close-range efforts. Against Belgium today, they proved absolutely wasteful despite carving numerous chances.
One of the first good opportunities fell to Paulinho, who couldn’t strike it hard enough after receiving a corner, with the goal gaping. But while Philippe Coutinho was denied on two occasions by the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois, he too missed an opportunity late in the game by scuffing a shot into the stands while attempting a first-time finish.
However, Renato Augusto – minutes after pulling a goal back – had the best chance to equalise when he was put through on goal by Neymar with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his effort could only sail wide of the post. Brazil let so many chances go begging, as for all their attacking intent, that saw them muster 27 shots, only one of their nine on-target managed to find the back of the net.