Despite not being the dominant team on the match, Belgium has advanced to the semi finals. They defeated Brazil by a score of 2-1.
First Half
Brazil started off the game with an aggressive look to their game. La Canarinha attacked early thanks to corner kick opportunities and their speed. They had their chances but they were unable to score. This was evident as Thiago Silva shot multiple times and was only able to hit the post.
The European side was forced to play back on defense containing the Brazilians. They kept close tabs on Neymar as he was guarded for as many as four players. Brazil was definitely the better team at that point of the half, however, the Red Devils struck gold out of nowhere.
Belgium scored off a corner kick with an goal by Fernandinho. The set piece was headed first by Vincent Kompany but deflected by the Brazilian player.
GOAL! #BEL takes the lead as Fernandinho heads into his own net off the corner. #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/zl6mBsCdve
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 6, 2018
Belgium was up by one at the 12th minute.
Brazil looked stunned after the goal. They were able to get through Belgium´s soft defense but failed to carry the ball effectively. Their giveaway on the attack generated dangerous counter attack opportunities for Belgium.
Kevin De Bruyne certainly took advantage of one of those chances. He ran away with the ball and sneaked a powerful shot through the defensive line. He found the bottom corner of the net.
GOAL! Lukaku controls the ball at 30:36. de Bruyne shoots at 30:48. #BEL #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/SxW2Wy936j
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 6, 2018
They were now up by two, future did not look bright for the South Americans.
Halftime arrived and Brazil was in trouble. The score was 2-0.
Second Half
The start of the second half was not that different from the first one. Brazil started off again on the attack controlling ball possession. They forced Belgium to go right back into defense. Brazil looked close to scoring the first goal of the match as Belgium looked out of sync on defense.
Unfortunately for Brazil Belgium seemed to get comfortable to play defense and look for counter attacks. Belgium’s counter attacks got more and more dangerous as the half moved along. Despite their speed, the Belgians had trouble retaining the ball and their chances did not last long.
Brazil kept dominating the game but could not finish a play even if their lives depended on it. Belgium on the other hand, had very few scoring opportunities, but they were still dangerous.
The Brazilian XI finally broke through at the 75th minute. After multiple saves by Tibo Courtois, Renato Augusto opened up the scoring for Brazil.
GOAL! Lifeline for #BRA as Renato Augusto heads home past Coutinho. #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/gMPxtuZack
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 6, 2018
Augusto scored off a header, cutting the lead in half an bringing Brazil back to life. The score was 2-1.
Fatigue set in for Belgium after the goal. It was now evident that Brazil had a clear speed advantage over Belgium. Brazil still had dangerous scoring opportunities during the final minutes but they could not score the equalizer as Courtois stood strong in between the goalposts
Belgium sealed their ticket to the semifinals. 2-1 was the score after 90 minutes. Belgium will move onto the semifinals, they will clash with France this upcoming Tuesday.
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