World Cup 2018: Belgium knocks out Brazil

Belgium have reached the semi-finals of the Football World Cup in Russia with a 2-1 victory against top favorite Brazil. Neymar and Co. had no luck in Kazan with their final offensive.

Fernandinho's own goal (13) and a Kevin de Bruyne (31) counterattack gave Belgium a 2-0 lead.

Renato Augusto scored the first goal (76.), before the Brazilians had been denied despite video evidence a penalty kick. In Kazan, where the Germans had to end their World Cup adventure, now came the end for Neymar and Co. Even if Belgium with its numerous class kickers such as Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Romelo Lukaku or Axel Witsel was considered a secret favorite of this World Cup, they surprise the world by eliminating the five-time world champion Brazil.

The Belgians now face France in their first semi-final on Tuesday, beating Uruguay 2-0 in the afternoon. With the victory in the final group match against England, the Belgians had caught the supposedly heavier tournament branch. Team boss Roberto Martinez had said: "There is no easier way." He should be right. Belgium's Golden Generation has disenchanted Brazil's record-breaking championship with a long-stretched title-winning performance and a bit of luck, with just two wins left from its first world title.

Driven by the towering Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils dropped out of the tournament on Friday before 42,873 spectators in Kazan Brazil with a 2-1 (2-0). In the closing stages, however, the team had to shake. Belgium are in a World Cup semi-final for the second time since 1986 and can make the leap into the final against France for the first time on Tuesday.