Event of the Day: Brazil versus Belgium
Our event of the day is the FIFA World Cup quarter-final matchup between Brazil and Belgium at the Kazan Arena in Kazan. These two teams expected to reach the last eight but both had to overcome some adversity on their journey to this point. Belgium got past a tenacious Japanese squad in thrilling fashion by coming back from 2-0 down with twenty minutes left. It was a true test of character, will and extraordinary talent from the Belgians. Brazil has overcome a sluggish start to the tournament and earned their place in the quarter-finals by putting together a strong second half performance of their own to hand Mexico a 2-0 loss.
Brazil has now reached the quarter-finals in seven straight World Cup appearances. Always a threat to win the tournament, Brazil is carried by attacking players Philippe Coutinho and Neymar and anchored by a Thiago Silva-led back line. In fact, this Brazilian side have allowed just four shots on target and have only conceded one goal through their first four games. They will be facing their toughest matchup yet as this Belgium squad is the tournament’s top scoring team, netting 12 goals to this stage. Belgium’s golden generation is led by midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, forward Eden Hazard and golden boot contender Romelu Lukaku. This matchup will certainly be the biggest test either nation has faced thus far. With both squads playing at their best and a semi-final berth at stake, football fans are in for a treat as this match could be one for the books.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the 2nd T20 match between England and India in Cardiff. India dominated the English side in the first T20 match to kick off their Tour of England on the right foot. Clearly disappointed in their effort, England will look to even the series up at Sophia Gardens. In domestic cricket, there are eight matches taking place in the Natwest T20 Blast. The match of the day may very well be the South group meeting between Surrey and Kent. In Australian Football League action, top side Richmond play the Adelaide Crows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Grand Slam tennis continues at the 2018 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. In Major League Baseball, cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels meet in inter-league play at Angels Stadium. In golf, second round play of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open carries on at Ballyliffin Golf Club in Inishowen. In the United States, it is Day 2 of both the PGA Tour Greenbrier Classic and Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic. Not to be forgotten, Uruguay play France at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in another quarter-final from the FIFA World Cup.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by FIFA World Cup