Belgium creates history to knock Brazil out of FIFA World Cup 2018

Belgium knocked Brazil out of FIFA World Cu 2018 after handing the five-time champions Brazil a 2-1 loss in the second quarter-final on Friday.

An own goal by Fernandinho in the very 13th minute followed by a fantastic Kevin De Bruyne goal in the 31st minute gave Belgium a 2-0 lead after the end of first half. Substitute Renato Augusto reduced the deficit to one goal in the 76th minute to give Brazil a hope of first ever comeback in the World Cup history after going 2-0 down. But Brazil made a mess of chances afterwards, just like they had almost throughout the match, to hand Belgium a historic 2-1 win. Belgium qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup finals for the first time.

Courtious proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Belgium goalkeeper made several vital saves to deny a forward line of Neymar, Marcelo, Coutinho, Paulinho and Willian from opening their account in the crucial encounter.

After Brazil reduced the deficit with less than 15 minutes to go, Brazilian fans erupted in joy and hoped for a late Brazilian comeback, but it was not to be for the five-time champions. Just a minute before the referee blew the final whistle, Brazilian superstar Neymar failed to convert from a brilliant Augusto cross. Renato Ausgusto, the substitute from Tottenhum Hotspurs proved to be the best of the famous Brazilian lot, scoring the only Brazilian goal and creating a number of chances in the limited time he got.

For Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne, who had under performed in the Russia World Cup so far, suddenly put his legs on the accelerator and took charge of the Belgian ship. After being mainly responsible in creating Belgium’s opener, he scored the second Belgian goal in the 31st minute to virtually lead Belgium to a historic win.

Belgium will meet France in the first semi-final of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.

This story was updated to rectify an error in the strap