KAZAN, Russia (AP) Belgium reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 32 years by holding off five-time champion Brazil 2-1 Friday, sending Neymar home without living up to the expectations of being soccers most expensive player.
Kevin De Bruyne put Belgium up 2-0 by completing a counterattack led by Romelu Lukaku in the 31st minute.
Shocked to be behind by a goal, Brazil seemed absolutely flummoxed to be down by two. Belgiums physical play also knocked the Brazilians off their stride again and again. And when Brazil did find a way through, its shots either were blocked by scrambling Belgians or pushed away by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had a strong game that included several diving saves and a last-minute leaping one to deny Neymar.
The opener came after a bit of good fortune. Fernandinhos trailing arm inadvertently helped Belgium captain Vincent Kompanys header land in his own net in the 13th.
As Belgium lost cohesiveness in the second half and Brazils changes stirred the team, substitute Renato Augusto reduced the deficit with a header in the 76th.
But it was too late for Brazil to muster an equalizer as efforts to force the game into extra time were thwarted by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium faces France in the semifinals Tuesday in St. Petersburg.
