Neymar and Brazil roll out of the World Cup

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Europe

The juggernaut of Belgium's "Golden Generation" continued to roll on as the Red Devils knocked Neymar's Brazil out of the World Cup on Friday with an emphatic 2-1 victory. The defeat for the Selecao failed to erase the pain of their humiliation on home soil four years ago as Belgium set up a semi-final against France.

The five-time champions came to Russia desperate to make amends for their stunning 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte in 2014. But three of Belgium's mainstays – Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard – ran riot in the first half in Kazan and Roberto Martinez's boys showed impressive resilience to hold on in the second period in the face of incessant pressure.

Kevin De Bruyne (No.7) of Belgium scores his team's second goal during the World Cup Quarter Final match against Brazil in Kazan. /VCG Photo

"These boys deserve to be heroes in Belgium," said coach Martinez. "The execution of the tactics was magnificent. It is special and we can't let the people of Belgium down. We can pass that down the generations – beating Brazil."

Coming into the match, Martinez acknowledged the gulf in World Cup pedigree between his side, who have never been further than the semi-finals, and their illustrious rivals. But after a bright start from Tite's team, it was Belgium who looked the more dangerous, scoring through a Fernandinho own goal in the 13th minute and increasing their lead with a superb De Bruyne strike just after the half-hour.

Renato Augusto of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's first goal against Belgium. /VCG Photo

Tite threw on Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino for Willian at half-time and the famous yellow shirts poured forward in increasing desperation, only to find an impenetrable wall at the back.

Substitute Renato Augusto gave Brazil hope with just under a quarter of an hour to go with a deft header into the bottom-right corner of the net. Neymar had a chance to equalize late in injury time but Thibaut Courtois produced a magnificent save to tip over the goal bound curling effort.

Brazil have not lifted the World Cup since 2002 and will have to stand by and watch as a European side win it for the fourth time in a row.

"It's a heavy, bitter feeling. This was very hard for us to swallow," said a downbeat Tite, who refused to be drawn on his future.

(With input from agencies)