Roberto Martinez has gotten a lot of stick for his tactical decisions this World Cup as the decision to play Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Meunier as wing-backs has been criticized endlessly. However, even his biggest critics have to admit that his tactics were spot on against the Selecao. Martinez decided to play Nacer Chadli instead of Carrasco and he was more solid defensively (at least in the first half) while also providing two key passes.
Martinez’s other major tactical decision was to drop Dries Mertens and play Marouane Fellaini in midfield. This helped provide more defensive solidity as Fellaini and midfield partner Axel Witsel showed a surprising ability to contain the Brazilian midfield. In fact, Fellaini made three tackles, two interceptions, three clearances and one blocked shot – defensive statistics matched by no one else in the side. Yet, the more important impact of that decision was how it freed up Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne was the best player on the pitch while also scoring an absolute worldie.
It was a tale of two managers as Brazilian coach Tite made several regrettable decisions. The selection of Gabriel Jesus was questionable considering his poor form earlier in the tournament. Moreover, in the absence of Casemiro (and considering Belgium’s attacking talent), Tite should have considered dropping Paulinho for a more defensively minded midfielder (like Fred). Brazil looked far more dangerous in the second half when Roberto Firmino and Douglas Costa were on for Jesus and Willian. By that time, it was too little, too late.