World Cup diary, day 23: Belgium come of age to blitz Brazil, then I hit the road for England

It has always been the stick with which to beat Brazil with for generations. For all their superiority on the world stage, Brazil rarely perform well on European soil, having won only one of their five world titles on the continent.

2018 seemed to represent their best chance to break that duck. Tite has revolutionised Brazil, taking them away from their flamboyant Samba style, turning them into a more regimented, tough side to beat.

It has been extremely successful so far, with Brazil putting their 7-1 humiliation against Germany four years ago to the back of their minds, becoming the first nation in the world to seal qualification for Russia 2018.

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The Brazilians, lapping up the multi-cultural hospitality in Kazan, were overly confident as a result. Tite is a man fans could believe in, and the Brazilians have fallen hook, line and sinker.

Something had to give in Kazan. This was a match both teams had to win – to make a statement of intent. Belgium’s “golden generation” had to at last perform on the big stage, while Brazil had to right the wrongs of four years ago.

The atmosphere outside the impressive Kazan Arena was once again a friendly one, as fans from both sides mingled, exchanged shirts – as has become the tradition at this World Cup – and joined in each other’s songs.

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Both also sung out “spasiba Rusia” or “thank you, Russia” in appreciation of the hospitality that they have encountered in the world’s largest country.

Then came the most awe-inspiring sight I had seen in some time – Belgium’s forward line. The tournament’s best defence simply could not handle the power of Romelu Lukaku, the finesse of Kevin De Bruyne or the wizardry of Eden Hazard, as Belgium raced into two-goal lead.

Brazil rallied, their fans raised the volume levels, tenfold, but they ultimately fell just short in Europe once again.

Covering Brazil is a very difficult task, due to the sheer volume of Brazilian journalists who follow their nation around. The mixed zone after the match is a free for all at the best of times, but throw in some rather abrasive Brazilian journalists and you have got yourself a real headache.

Nonetheless, we got what we needed, left the media centre in the early hours, as always, before heading back to the hotel for a hour’s sleep before getting on our only possible mode of transport to Samara for England’s date with destiny, a six-hour drive on Russia’s traditionally bumpy roads.

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The question is, how many fans will make such an effort to see England in this first quarter-final since 2006? Flights are being chartered direct from Stansted to Samara – surely a first – but with Fan IDs to arrange coupled with the logistical problems and lingering negativity towards Russia, it is likely to only be hundreds that will come out especially.

Any support will be welcome, with thousands of Swedes expected. Neither side are really among the world’s elite – nonetheless, a semi-final spot is in the offing.

England have nothing to fear, with no pressure on their shoulders, and can now even rely on penalties. Whatever next.