Brazil vs Belgium LIVE World Cup 2018: Brazil out as Belgium advance to the semi-finals - latest reaction from Kazan
Brazil last faced Belgium in a World Cup back in 2002, Rivaldo and Ronaldo the goalscorers in a 2-0 win. 16 years later and the two teams are competing on much more even terms.
Both Tite and Roberto Martinez have been trying to find a system that gets the best out of their talented individuals.
It's all over! The final whistle goes and Belgium are through to the World Cup semi-final to face France! Brazil crash out despite a fine second half display, and it means that the last six teams left in the competition are all based in Europe.
90+4 mins: Brilliant skill! Brilliant shot! Brilliant save! Brazil are denied an equaliser at the death by fantastic Thibaut Courtois! Douglas Costa produced a wonderful piece of trickery to beat his man on the edge of the area before teeing up Neymar. The forward's shot was almost perfect, connecting with a first time curler that was heading for the top corner before Courtois soared through the air to tip over the crossbar! It's almost time...
90 mins: Five minutes of stoppage time are signalled as Neymar goes tumbling again at the far post. He wants a penalty, of course, but the referee isn't interested and neither are the video officials. Perhaps cheats don't prosper.
87 mins: Lukaku has been fantastic tonight but now takes his leave as he is replaced by Youri Tielemans. The Manchester United striker takes his place on the bench and will rely on his teammates to get Belgium over the line.
85 mins: Neymar tees up Coutinho in the box but, for once, the Barcelona midfielder is woefully off-target as the ball leaves his right boot. The anguish on his face shows that he and his country may not get a better chance before the end.
81 mins: An equaliser for Brazil? No! Renato Augusto has one goal, but he should have had a second! The midfielder found himself on the end of another Coutinho pass and through on goal, but could not replicate his composed finish as he dragged a shot just wide of the left post. What a contest this has been.
78 mins: There is another goal in this contest, but I wouldn't like to say what end it will be scored at. The game has become so stretched and open as Brazil throw players forward in search of a dramatic equaliser but gaps are being left at the back. De Bruyne almost exploits one of those but is denied at the last before, 30 seconds later, Roberto Firmino twisted a half-volley over at the other end.
On the pitch for less than three minutes, substitute Renato Augusto has given Brazil a timely lifeline! A fantastically clipped cross from Philippe Coutinho on the left was inch perfect for the midfielder as he arrived late in the box, and his composed header was equally measured as it nestled into the bottom corner beyond the outstretched arm of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgium goalkeeper had been close to unbeatable this evening but, now he has been, can his side hold on?
69 mins: A frustrating 60 seconds for Thomas Meunier. The Belgium right wing-back makes another darting run down the flank, and looks certain to be played in on goal by Eden Hazard, only to see the through ball brilliantly cut out by Marcelo. In his attempt to rush back into defence, Meunier then clipped the heels of Neymar and earned a yellow card that means he will miss a semi-final that is getting ever closer for the Belgians. Oh, and he's also gone down with cramp.
62 mins: Brazil made a second substitution in the fallout from that video review with Douglas Costa on in place of Gabriel Jesus. To be honest, I only just noticed when the Juventus player miscontrolled a short pass.
Brazil vs Belgium is on Friday 6 June and kicks off at 19:00 at the Kazan Arena.
Where can I watch it?
BBC will be showing live coverage on BBC One and online on the BBC Sport website.
Odds
Brazil: 11/10
Belgium: 5/2
Draw: 5/2
How did they get here?
Brazil have grown into the tournament since drawing their first game with Switzerland 1-1. Neymar and Roberto Firmino scored in their 2-0 win against Mexico in the round of 16 match.
After resting nine players against England, Belgium were on the brink of being dumped out of the World Cup when Japan were leading in the round of 16 with 25 minutes to go. Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli scored late to complete a dramatic comeback and keep Belgium’s golden generation in the tournament.
Brazil have gone up the gears so far in Russia (REUTERS)
What is their World Cup history?
Brazil are seeking redemption after their embarrassing 7-1 semi-final defeat against Germany in their home World Cup in 2014. The five time champions are looking for their first World Cup triumph since 2002 and take advantage of a fully fit Neymar who is growing into the tournament.
In 2014 Belgium reached the quarter-finals but lost to Argentina after easing past the United States. In 1986 Diego Maradona’s second half brace ended their run in the semi-final in front of 114,500 fans in the Estadio Azteca, third remains their best finish.
Prediction
Brazil 2-2 Belgium (Belgium win on penalties). In a tournament full of shocks this could be another. Neither team have started quickly so far in this tournament and it will be a very close game - too close, perhaps. In a penalty shootout, with Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and more, you'd have to fancy the Belgians.
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