Martinez insists Belgium are ready for huge Brazil clash

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said his players will not be intimidated by the occasion as they face Brazil on Friday for a place in the World Cup semi-finals. Although Martinez and striker Romelu Lukaku say Brazil are favourites to triumph at the Kazan Arena, both believe the European side can reach the final four for the second time in their history.
"It is a big occasion, you can't hide that. If you try to hide it you're a bit of a stupid person," Martinez told reporters Thursday. "We're as ready as we'll ever be, in the previous two years we've been working towards this moment. "Brazil are ranked second in the world, we're number three, we know who we are and we know the magnitude of the game." Lukaku believes the team has improved since Euro 2016, when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Wales.
"We have prepared thoroughly as a team, we have a system we've been putting in place for two years now," said the Manchester United striker. "As individuals we've also improved. Everything is going smoothly, and it will be put to the test tomorrow. We play against the best team in the tournament, the favourites, so will be a good test to see where we stand as a team.
"I don't think it's the most important game [in my career], because if we win, then the game after that will be more important, won't it? It won't be easy, but we have the quality to make the difference." However Brazil defender Miranda thinks that his Belgian counterpart Vincent Kompany's comments about the showdown are to hide fear. Kompany said Belgium are not losing sleep over facing the five-time World Cup winners in the quarter-final clash.
"We know there is all kinds of provocation, it's a way to hide your fear," Miranda said. "I think it's a way of showing trust, and hiding fear. You have to prepare yourself, especially against the Brazil national team. "A leader like Kompany has to show confidence to his team-mates, just as the more experienced players have to show confidence through our actions to our own team-mates."
Meanwhile Brazil coach Tite said Fernandinho would start in place of the injured Casemiro, while left-back Marcelo is poised to return after injury, stepping in ahead of Filipe Luis. Tite believes the biggest challenge in the way of his players winning the World Cup for a record sixth time is not falling victim to the pressure.
"The biggest challenge of a World Cup is mental fortitude, the pressure is immense, extraordinary," Tite told a news conference. "I hope the 'family' [his squad and staff], keep their heads cool. There is a lot of psychological pressure." Brazil's coach says he is calmer at this stage of the tournament than at the start because his team are playing well, winning Group E and sweeping past Mexico in the last 16. "Why am I more relaxed? Because the players are performing, that makes you feel at ease," said Tite. "Of course I want them to grow more and more, that's the challenge."