Belgium unload favourites Brazil out of International Cup

By Tom Acres, news reporter

Belgium survived a late scare to dump World Cup favourites Brazil out of the tournament and set up a semi-final clash with France.

Substitute Renato Augusto scored with 14 minutes to play to set up a grandstand finish in Kazan, but a stunning first-half strike from Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and an own goal from club teammate Fernandinho proved enough for the Red Devils to march into the last four.

It means the semi-finals will be an entirely European affair, with France having beaten Uruguay 2-1 earlier on Friday.

England take on Sweden in the third quarter-final tie in Samara at 3pm UK time on Saturday, with hosts Russia facing Croatia at 7pm.

Image: De Bruyne lit up the Kazan Arena with a stunning finish

Brazil were on a 16-match unbeaten run going into the game and topped Group E with seven points before comfortably seeing off Mexico in the first knockout round.

But the South Americans struggled to get to grips with an exciting Belgian front line featuring some of the most talented players in the Premier League.

De Bruyne was joined by Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard in putting in a stellar performance - although it was three other familiar faces from English football that played decisive roles in the opening goal.

Nacer Chadli - relegated last season with West Bromwich Albion - swung in a corner from the left in the 13th minute, which was flicked on by Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and inadvertently put past goalkeeper Alisson by fellow City man Fernandinho.

Image: Fernandinho scored an own goal to give Belgium the lead

Brazil - who managed to reach the semis at the last World Cup but were beaten 7-1 by eventual winners Germany - struggled to find a response and Belgium doubled their lead less than 20 minutes later.

Lukaku led a scintillating counter-attack, carrying the ball into the Brazil half before releasing De Bruyne, who arrowed a scorching drive into the far corner.

Belgium also impressed at the other end, with the likes of Neymar and former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho both kept quiet as the first half drew to an end.

Image: Vincent Kompany celebrates the opening goal with Nacer Chadli

They struggled to create much of note against a defence well shielded by Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini, who was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up by manager Roberto Martinez.

Neymar took a dive early in the second period in a bid to win his side a penalty and shake them into life, but referee Milorad Mazic was having none of it.

There was another appeal for a spot-kick soon after - and it appeared to have a good deal more substance to it.

Image: Neymar unsuccessfully appeals for a penalty

Gabriel Jesus was taken down in the box by a desperate challenge from Kompany, but despite replays appearing to show that a foul had been committed - and consultation from the video assistants - no penalty was given.

Brazil were certainly starting to look more threatening and were given further impetus by the introduction of Douglas Costa, who forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois shortly after coming on.

It was another substitute - Augusto - who eventually pulled a goal back, heading past Courtois after a delightful cross from Coutinho, who then missed a fine opportunity himself to make it 2-2 after good work from Neymar.

There was still time for more goalmouth action, but - in a World Cup full of late goals - no equaliser was forthcoming.

Image: Renato Augusto pulls one back for Brazil

Augusto had the biggest chance but fired wide from just inside the box, and then Neymar failed with another hopeful penalty appeal in injury time.

It means Belgium will now play France in the semi-final at 7pm UK time on Tuesday.

More from World Cup 2018

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• World Cup: Jordan Pickford's cheeky England penalty preparation revealed

• England World Cup win would score 'unadulterated' economic boost, Bank of England governor says

• World Cup 2018: How to get to Russia to watch England v Sweden

• 'Monumental robbery': Maradona lashes out after England v Colombia game

• Surprising facts about England's penalty heroes

The other semi-final - between England or Sweden and Russia or Croatia - kicks off at the same time on Wednesday.

Gareth Southgate gave an update on the state of his squad earlier on Friday, with backup striker Jamie Vardy the only fitness doubt.

Original Article

World

January 25, 2019