Belgium's Vincent Kompany 'not losing sleep' over Brazil
Kompany refuses to be drawn on Neymar theatrics
Wednesday 4 July 2018 20:04, UK
Vincent Kompany says Brazil are the best team at the World Cup, but Belgium are not losing any sleep at the prospect of playing them.
Roberto Martinez's side will come up against five-time winners Brazil in Kazan on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
"Individually, Brazil are the strongest team in this World Cup," Kompany, who has 79 caps for his country, said.
"That is a compliment but it doesn't affect our chances against them. None of us are going to sleep at night thinking: 'We have already lost to Brazil'.
"Defensively they are solid, they win all their defensive duels and in attack, they are not scared to take people on one on one. They always have a key to unlock any situation."
Manchester City defender Kompany, 32, said although Belgium boast their own outstanding individual players such as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, the only way they will beat Brazil is to play as a team.
"We are going to look them in the eye. But if we make this a match of individuals, then we'll lose," he said.
Belgium, who came from behind to beat Japan 3-2 in a thrilling last-16 match, have shown glimpses of their attacking qualities throughout the tournament.
"We have developed an attractive style of football, we have scored a lot of goals and showed our good side," said Kompany.
"We're constantly improving. We just have to step up to another level against Brazil. At least I hope we can."
Belgium will have to find a way to stop Neymar, whose performances in Russia have attracted as much criticism as praise, for his alleged over-reaction to fouls.
Asked by a Brazilian journalist what he would do if Neymar fell theatrically in front of him, Kompany turned the question back on the reporter.
"What would you say to him? You are a Brazilian journalist? Ah, I see you're too scared to reply. I don't care (what Neymar does). If it becomes a match of individual performances we've got no chance.
"If we play as a team, if we fight for each other, we can do it and that's what matters to me."
