Kevin De Bruyne drills his shot into the bottom corner against Brazil

Brazil 1-2 Belgium: Pre-tournament favourites crash out at last-eight stage

21:14 · FRI July 06, 2018

Belgium produced a stunning performance to claim a place in the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over five-times champions Brazil in Kazan.

A Fernandinho own goal and fierce strike from Kevin De Bruyne put Roberto Martinez's side in early control of a compelling encounter.

Brazil responded after the break and pulled one back through substitute Renato Augusto 14 minutes from time but Belgium withstood considerable pressure to hold on, although they were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty.

Gabriel Jesus looked to have been caught in the box by his Manchester City team-mate Vincent Kompany but, despite a VAR review, nothing was given.

Thibaut Courtois also made a brilliant fingertip save to keep out a Neymar effort in injury time.

Belgium made a flying start, perhaps aided by a change of tactics and personnel.

Manager Martinez decided to start with Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli, the midfielders who transformed the game as substitutes in the last-16 fightback against Japan.

World Cup winner (odds via Sky Bet)

France - 2/1
Belgium - 9/4
England - 7/2
Croatia - 11/2
Russia - 18/1
Sweden - 22/1

That freed De Bruyne to play in a more advanced role and the City midfielder revelled in the space Brazil continually gave him.

It was Brazil who had the first serious chance after winning a corner but Thiago Silva miscued in front of goal and bundled his effort against the woodwork.

Belgium made them rue the miss as they took the lead from a corner of their own after 13 minutes, although they did enjoy some good fortune.

Kompany obscured the view of his City team-mates Jesus and Fernandinho as he leapt to reach Chadli's cross and the ball rebounded in off the latter's shoulder.

Brazil sought a quick response but Courtois comfortably dealt with Philippe Countinho's long-range strike and Fernandinho had a shot blocked. Marcelo also tested Courtois but it was Belgium who looked the more threatening as they launched wave after wave of counter-attacks.

An own goal gave Belgium the lead

Brazil struggled to handle their pace and the second goal came just after the half-hour as Romelu Lukaku charged from deep and fed De Bruyne outside the area. De Bruyne made no mistake as he lashed home a thunderous drive from distance.

De Bruyne went close again as Alisson tipped over a free-kick and Courtois ensured Belgium carried their advantage into the break by pushing away another Coutinho strike.

Brazil upped their tempo after the break. Neymar wanted a penalty after falling as Fellaini challenged but Serbian referee Milorad Mazic was unimpressed. Jesus had a stronger appeal after Kompany's challenge but again Brazil were denied.

Brazil were almost caught out as they pushed forward but Eden Hazard fired wide after another quick counter-attack.

Brazil came back again and finally replied when Augusto guided home a header from Coutinho's expertly-floated cross. Augusto went close to another as he drove narrowly wide moments later and Coutinho sliced wide from another good opening.

Brazil kept up the pressure to the end but Neymar, after having another penalty appeal rejected, could not beat the flying Courtois from distance.

Neymar unsuccessfully tries to win Brazil a penalty

Opta facts

Belgium have reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time, losing out to eventual winners Argentina in 1986.
Belgium’s victory was only their second ever against Brazil (L3), and first since a 1963 friendly match in Brussels.
Brazil have now been eliminated by European sides in each of the last four editions of the World Cup (France 2006, Netherlands 2010, Germany 2014 and Belgium 2018).
Belgium have had nine different goalscorers at the 2018 World Cup (excluding own goals). Only Italy in 2006 and France in 1982 (10 each) have ever had more in a single tournament.
This was the first time in 30 matches in all competitions that Brazil had conceded more than once in a game, since a 2-2 draw with Paraguay in March 2016.
Belgium are now unbeaten in 24 games in all competitions (W19 D5).
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne became the 100th different player to score at the 2018 World Cup (excluding own goals).
Fernandinho became only the second player to score a World Cup own goal with Brazil, after Marcelo vs Croatia in 2014.
Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 13 appearances for Belgium, scoring 17 and assisting three.
Brazil’s Renato Augusto scored just three minutes and 14 seconds after coming on as a sub. It was his first goal in 14 games for Brazil, since netting against Peru in November 2016.

Odds correct at 2115 BST (06/07/18)