Russia 2018: ‘Start Firmino ahead Jesus against Belgium’

Swedish football legend Henrik Larsson has urged Brazil coach Tite to consider starting Roberto Firmino instead of Gabriel Jesus when they take on Belgium.

Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in Russia at the World Cup on Monday and after coming off the bench, Roberto Firmino scored to double his nation’s lead and secure safe passage to the last eight.

In the quarters, Brazil will face Belgium, who dramatically came from behind to beat a very entertaining Japan side 3-2. It’s a clash of the Titans and will decide who progresses to the semi-finals.

There is a growing belief among those on social media that Firmino would do a better job up front than Gabriel Jesus has and Henrik Larsson, working for ITV as a pundit, has echoed this sentiment.

Speaking on ITV, Larsson discussed Firmino’s goal against Mexico: “This is a tap-in but he’s there at least.

“But you have to think a little bit now, four games [into the tournament that] Jesus hasn’t scored in.

“He comes on and scores with his first touch more or less. You have to start thinking about it.

“I also think that with Firmino in the team, there is a little bit better hold-up play and also combination play with him when he’s playing compared with when Jesus is playing.”