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World Cup round of 16 power rankings: Can anyone stop Brazil?

By James Dudko

TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward Neymar waves at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Serbia and Brazil at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Brazil's forward Neymar waves at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Serbia and Brazil at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 27, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images) /
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KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 28 : Axel Witsel midfielder of Belgium, Eden Hazard midfielder of Belgium, Romelu Lukaku forward of Belgium during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia group G phase match between England and Belgium at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia, 28/06/18 ( Photo by Nico Vereecken / Photonewsvia Getty Images)
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 28 : Axel Witsel midfielder of Belgium, Eden Hazard midfielder of Belgium, Romelu Lukaku forward of Belgium during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia group G phase match between England and Belgium at the Kaliningrad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia, 28/06/18 ( Photo by Nico Vereecken / Photonewsvia Getty Images) /

6. Belgium

At times, Belgium have looked in danger of finally living up to the hype at an international tournament. The Red Devils and their so-called “golden generation” produced some eye-catching soccer during wins over Panama and Tunisia.

Eight goals were the reward for a more expansive game on the watch of progressive coach Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard, along with Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry, appears to have finally gotten Romelu Lukaku clicking at this level:

Aside from Lukaku, Napoli man Dries Mertens is playing with more freedom of movement along the forward line. A free role is ideal for the 31-year-old’s pace and perceptive understanding of the game.

Mertens and Lukaku are getting typically astute supply from Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. Going forward, Belgium have few equals left in the competition. Soft competition in Group G also means the Red Devils are far from sufficiently battle-tested for the next round.

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