Belgium vs Russia: Can Capello's tactics stop the Belgian juggernaut?

Russia take on Belgium in an exciting Group H game at Estadio Maracana in a game which, in all probabilities, will decide the group winners. After drawing their first match against South Korea, Fabio Capello’s men have the daunting task of upstaging the Belgians who came from behind to beat Algeria in their opening game. The significance of the match rises even more as the runners-up of the group will have a very likely Round of 16 encounter with one of the title favourites, Germany.

It will be interesting to see whether Capello gifts Aleksandr Kerzhakov a start against the Belgians given that he saved his nations the blushes against South Korea and the fact that Aleksandr Kokorin, who was given a starting berth, didn’t look too impressive. Victor Fayzulin and Denis Glushakov, in the absence of regular captain Roman Shirokov, will be the holding midfielders in the Russian 4-3-3 formation, entrusted with the responsibilities of depriving Belgian midfielders of any feeling of control. The Belgium defence is not flanked by the best fullbacks in the world, so that is definitely an area that Capello would like his men to target, with wide men Aleksandr Samedov and Dynamo Moscow and ex-Chelsea man Yuri Zhirkov expected to keep Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen on their toes. The place of veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev should not be in doubt after his howler in the first game allowed the Koreans to take the lead, given that the substitute goalkeepers have an international experience worth 4 caps between them. Sergei Ignashevich and Aleksei Berezutski have their starting places guaranteed at the heart of the defence along with Dmitri Kombarov and Andrei Yeschenko to their left and right respectively, with Kombarov, in particular being impressive in the first match.

Projected lineups (left to right)
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Daniel van Buyten, Toby Alderweireld; Mousa Dembélé, Axel Witsel; Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens; Romelu Lukaku.
Russia (4-3-3): Igor Akinfeev; Dmitri Kombarov, Sergei Ignashevich, Aleksei Berezutski, Andrey Yeshchenko; Viktor Fayzulin, Denis Glushakov, Oleg Shatov; Yuri Zhirkov, Aleksandr Kokorin, Aleksandr Samedov.

KEY MATCH-UPS:-
EDEN HAZARD vs ANDREY YESCHENKO - One man always capable of unlocking a defence, however tight, is Eden Hazard. He was disappointingly quiet out in his favourite position on the left hand side of Belgium’s attack against Algeria, though the Red Devils will hope he’s back on top form against Russia. If he is, he’ll cause their right-back Andrey Yeschenko great problems with his excellent technical ability and vision, and will look to take advantage of any space he’ll find drifting into the centre of the field.
ALEKSANDR SAMEDOV vs JAN VERTONGHEN- Aleksandr Samedov is a player who has come a long way in recent years. Coming off an excellent season in the Russian Premier League, where he scored seven goals and made nine assists, Samedov has earned his place in the starting line-up. His pace is a source of trouble for many defenders and Jan Vertonghen was the most vulnerable of the back four of Belgium. Expect this to be a good contest.

PREDICTION
Fabio Capello is renowned for creating teams of excellent discipline and organization. While Belgium struggled against Algeria in the first half, if they can bring their second half performance to the table, another three points should be in the locker, although it won’t come easy. Belgium 1-0 Russia.