5 Time World Champions Brazil Knocked Out, Belgium Qualify For Semis

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5 time World Champions Brazil have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2018 and denied another attempt to win the coveted trophy. Belgium produced a brilliant performance to reach the Semifinals for the first time since 1986.

With Brazil’s loss, there is no South American team left in the tournament.This will be for the first time since 2006 that all the four semifinalists will be European.

Brazil had conceded only one goal in their last four games but at the 13th minute, Nacer Chadli’s corner hit Fernandinho’s arm and flew into the goal. This was the 11th own goal of the tournament.

At the 31st minute, Kevin de Bruyne doubled Belgium’s lead with a sublime arrow finish from 20 yards after Romelu Lukaku’s powerful run. It was 2-0 for Belgium at halftime.

Substitute Renato Augusto gave Brazil some hope with a headed goal at the 76th minute but Brazil couldn’t score another to tie, becoming the latest heavyweight after Germany, Argentina, Spain and Uruguay to be knocked out.

Brazil had 9 shots on target and converted only 1 of it while the Red Devils had 3 shots on target and converted 2 of it. Brazil had a ball possession of 59% while Belgium of 41%.

Belgium will now face France in the Semifinals of the FIFA World Cup on 10 July.