Every player rated as Belgium knock Brazil out of the World Cup | OneFootball

Belgium made an excellent start count against Brazil as they raced into a 2-0 lead before surviving a late onslaught to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

The Red Devils began the game brightly and went one up as a corner skimmed off Fernandinho’s head and into the net before Kevin De Bruyne swept home to double the advantage.

Renato Augusto came off the bench to half the deficit but a late, fine save from Courtois saw Belgium hold on.

Brazil 🇧🇷

Allison: 6

The Roma stopper made a number of fine saves and could do little to prevent Belgium’s goals; such was the deflection off Fernandinho’s head and De Bruyne’s stunning finish in the far corner.

Fagner: 5

Had to deal with Belgium’s fearsome forwards and in particular Eden Hazard. Struggled positionally at times and with the general skill and speed of his opponents.

Thiago Silva: 6

Spurned glorious opportunity to open the scoring as the ball struck his leg and hit the post. His reaction of regret said it all. Stoic defending though at times but not enough to keep Belgium out.

Miranda: 6

Dealt with Belgium’s attacking stars well in the main but was kept extremely busy by the powerful Romelu Lukaku.

Marcelo: 6

Got into excellent attacking positions and whipped in some excellent searching balls which his team-mates failed to finish. Defensively had his work cut out tracking Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard.

Paulinho: 5

Sometimes overran in the middle of the park and failed to really impose himself. Tried to pass forward but gave a disjointed performance on the whole.

Fernandinho: 4

Endured an awful evening. Scored an own goal and should have done better to stop Lukaku in his tracks before second goal. Beaten to the ball by De Bruyne and slipping over in the second minute had set the tone.

Willian: 5

Had a relatively anonymous evening. Worked hard as always but failed to really create anything of note.

Philippe Coutinho: 7

One of Brazil’s better players on a desperately disappointing night. Sublime cross for Renato Augusto’s consolation. Was denied many pot-shots but was unlucky not to repeat curling effort he scored against Switzerland as Courtois stood up to the challenge and bent it around the post.

Neymar: 7

Always on the ball, always trying to make things happen, always going to ground. Failed to win a penalty. Could have been a hero in injury-time but Courtois saved his late effort from distance in stunning fashion.

Gabriel Jesus: 6

Proved a tricky customer for the Belgium backline and should have had a penalty from Kompany foul after cleverly nutmegging Jan Vertonghen.

Subs

Roberto Firmino: 6

Failed to connect properly with Marcelo’s direct cross early in the second half.

Douglas Costa: 7

Saw good effort blocked after decent run down the right-hand side.

Renato Augusto: 8

Only a consolation but his glancing header gave Courtois no chance

Belgium 🇧🇪

Thibaut Courtois: 9

Made match-saving stop in injury-time to deny Neymar and made countless good catches throughout the evening. A fine display.

Toby Alderweireld: 7

Solid at the back, he and his defensive team-mates dealt well with the threat of Brazil. Good on the ball.

Vincent Kompany: 7

Brave, everything on the line, just a typical Kompany display. Booted the ball clear of Brazilian feet often but loses a mark for tackle on Jesus.

Jan Vertonghen: 7

Like his counterparts at the back, Vertonghen was assured though did get done by Jesus, leading to penalty shout incident.

Thomas Meunier: 7

Always an outlet down the right, the PSG man provided plenty of width and worked well with Lukaku on the wing.

Nacer Chadli: 6

Subbed off through injury but played his part in an impressive team performance as Belgium cruised into the ascendancy first-half.

Marouane Fellaini:  7

Could have been run ragged but dealt well with the quick passing and movement of the South Americans. Robust and effective.

Axel Witsel: 7

Kept possession well but his main job was to stop the threat of Brazil’s danger men and swept up when called upon.

Kevin De Bruyne: 9

Scored stunning second goal which proved to be the winner. Used his unbelievable range to pick his spot and fire the ball far past the stretching Alisson. A truly wonderful World Cup goal.

Romelu Lukaku: 9

One of his finest displays, helped by Martinez’s savviness to deploy him wide on the right where he did plenty of damage. His work and nous to move the ball forward from the middle created the winning goal. A fine display.

Eden Hazard: 8

His decision making lacked at times with the stakes so high but his sheer presence and talent continually had Brazil worried. Despite some erroneous passes, still one of Belgium’s shining lights on famous night.

Subs

Thomas Vermaelen: 6

Ten minutes to keep Brazil out and succeeded with help of Courtois

Youri Tielemans: N/A