Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (pen 4-3): Alisson the hero as hosts reach Copa semis

Alisson's great save in the penalty kick sends the hosts into semi-finals despite Firmino's miss.

See the penalty shootout here

Match Events

3' Early chance for Brazil! Firmino shoots too straight

They enjoy most of the early possession, and eventually they manage to work a small opening for Firmino, but the striker shoots straight into the arms of Fernandez from the edge of the penalty area.

29' SAVE! Alisson denies Paraguay's close range shot

The best chance of the match thus far falls to Paraguay, as Gonzalez is picked out at the far post on the end of a lovely delivery from Perez, and does well to control before lifting a fierce effort on target from point-blank range! Alisson reacts expertly to parry behind, however, as Porto Alegre breathes a collective sigh of relief.

34' Neymar and Casemiro on the stand

58' Red Card! F. Balbuena sent off

This sure is some decision from the referee! Following a very lengthy review, the referee runs back onto the pitch and shows Balbuena a straight red card! It was a clumsy challenge, denying a clear scoring chance, but it did look accidental. A small consolation for Paraguay is the fact that the referee has now changed it to a free-kick, rather than a penalty.

Paraguay are down to 10 men after Fabian Balbuena has been shown a red card.

60' Close! Alves free-kick denied

74' Chance! Jesus shot wide out

90' Off the Woodwork! Willian almost makes breakthrough

Match Reports

Brazil are pushed to the brink in Porto Alegre by the 10 men of Paraguay, but the hosts survive a scare as Gabriel Jesus scores the decisive penalty in the shootout, after Derlis Gonzalez missed the target, to send the Selecao into the semi-finals. Paraguay battled bravely after going a man down following Fabian Balbuena's sending off, but they just fail to complete the job as Brazil keep their dreams of winning on home soil alive.

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