Brazil And Neymar's World Cup Dreams Shattered As Belgium Triumph To Set Up France Semi-Final Clash

Brazil's Neymar and his teammates look dejected as Belgium's Axel Witsel celebrates. Photo Credit: Reuters

Belgium dashed Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title with a 2-1 win in Kazan and booked a semi-final clash against France.

Brazil, ranked second in the world by Fifa, were the last remaining non-European team in the tournament after Les Bleus knocked out Uruguay in Friday’s first quarter-final.

But Tite’s men, who badly missed the suspended Casemiro, were soundly beaten by third-ranked Belgium thanks to a pair of goals before the break at the Kazan Arena, despite the Selecao mounting a second-half fightback.

Fernandinho turned a corner into his own net to put Belgium in front, with a superb counter-attack extending their advantage.

Romelu Lukaku’s skill and strength carried the Red Devils deep into Brazil territory and Kevin De Bruyne lashed home a brilliant 20-yard rocket from the striker’s pass.

Brazil mounted pressure in the second half and it paid off in the 76th minute when Renato Augusto headed in Marcelo’s cross, but Belgium held on to see of the game at 2-1.

The Red Devils will now meet France for a place in the final on Tuesday.





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