Martinez’s side survive late pressure to book semi-final meeting with France

perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty.

Gabriel Jesus looked to have been caught in the box by his Manchester City team-mate Vincent Kompany but, despite a VAR review, nothing was given.

Thibaut Courtois also made a brilliant fingertip save to keep out a Neymar effort in injury time.

Belgium made a flying start, perhaps aided by a change of tactics and personnel.

Manager Martinez decided to start with Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli, the midfielders who transformed the game as substitutes in the last-16 fightback against Japan.

That freed De Bruyne to play in a more advanced role and the City midfielder revelled in the space Brazil continually gave him.

It was Brazil who had the first serious chance after winning a corner but Thiago Silva miscued in front of goal and bundled his effort against the woodwork.

Belgium made them rue the miss as they took the lead from a corner of their own after 13 minutes, although they did enjoy some good fortune.

Kompany obscured the view of his City team-mates Jesus and Fernandinho as he leapt to reach Chadli’s cross and the ball rebounded in off the latter’s shoulder.

Brazil sought a quick response but Courtois comfortably dealt with Philippe Countinho’s long-range strike and Fernandinho had a shot blocked. Marcelo also tested Courtois but it was Belgium who looked the more threatening as they launched wave after wave of counter-attacks.

Brazil struggled to handle their pace and the second goal came just after the half-hour as Romelu Lukaku charged from deep and fed De Bruyne outside the area. De Bruyne made no mistake as he lashed home a thunderous drive from distance.