How Belgium Kick Brazil out of the World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne's special strike and a Fernandinho own goal edged Belgium's golden generation past Brazil 2-1 in a thrilling clash Friday to set up a World Cup semi-final against France.

Brazil started brightly but Fernandinho headed into his own net from a corner after 13 minutes and a stunning counter-attack saw Romelu Lukaku feed De Bruyne, who blasted home in the 31st minute.

Brazil dominated in the second half and pulled one back through substitute Renato Augusto, but Belgium held on to earn a famous victory in Kazan, despite the five-time winners creating various chances against an exhausted defence.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez changed his system from 3-4-2-1 to 4-3-3, with De Bruyne operating as a false nine and Lukaku on the right-wing, bringing in goalscoring the heroes from their last 16 comeback against Japan, Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli.

Marcelo returned from injury for Brazil, with Fernandinho stepping in for the suspended Casemiro. The Real Madrid man was sorely missed as Fernandinho struggled to hold back Belgium's fearsome, relentless attack.

Brazil could have scored twice in the first few minutes as Thiago Silva bundled the ball awkwardly against the post from a corner and Paulinho mishit a shot from close range.

They paid an immediate price when Fernandinho nodded Eden Hazard's corner into his own net unpressured after 13 minutes.

It was the first time Brazil had trailed in a game for over a year, and before the half was out, the first time they have conceded two in a game under Tite.

Gabriel Jesus missed from six yards after Neymar's cross found him at an awkward angle, before the rampant Lukaku set up De Bruyne for Belgium's second goal.

Breaking downfield at speed, Lukaku charged through Brazil's midfield before slipping the ball right to the Manchester City midfielder, who lashed a shot into the bottom corner past Alisson.

It was a beautiful counter-attack finished in sublime fashion by De Bruyne, shortly after the half hour mark, leaving Brazil facing a challenge that no side had overcome in World Cup history - winning a game after trailing by two at half-time, excluding penalties.

Brazil dominated the ball after the break but Belgium's defence kept them at bay, while Serbian referee Milorad Mazic ignored some of the South Americans' antics in the area, trying to claim penalties.

Neymar, who was criticized ahead of the game for having spent nearly 14 minutes on the floor cumulatively in Brazil's first four games, flung himself down but was told to get back up.

Jesus appeared to be fouled by Vincent Kompany but the video referee dismissed Brazilian appeals for a penalty.

Brazil pulled one back when Philippe Coutinho's superb chip was cleverly headed home by substitute Augusto in the 76th minute, setting up a frantic finale.

The midfielder should have scored his second to equalize but fired narrowly wide after bursting through on goal.

Coutinho sent another effort spinning wide as Brazil continued to create openings but failed to take any of them, with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tipping over a late Neymar curler to win his side the game.

The only black spot on Belgium's triumph was a booking of Thomas Meunier, who will miss the semi-final clash with France.

The Red Devils face Les Bleus, champions in 1998, on Tuesday in St Petersburg, bidding to reach the final for the first time.
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