Brazil (4) v (5) Russia

By Steph Rhoden

Russia defeated Brazil 5-4 today in a thrilling match which has ensured them a spot in the semi finals of the Homeless World Cup.

Russia dominated play from early on in the match and taking first honours through Pletnev.

The Brazilian keeper Rodrigues Alves was forced off after to a wrist injury and Russia continued to control possession, scoring once more thanks to some deft work by Shesterkov.

The Brazilians kept moving forward through Roberto de Souza Silva, but the Russian keeper managed to save while doing the splits in one motion.

De Souza Silva pushed again and was denied, as his countrymen's flair was stifled by Russia's steely determination, and the South Americans were down 4-0 at the break.

But Brazil started to emerge from Russia's strong defence, and Santos got their first as their starting keeper returned to the pitch from the medical tent.

A flashy top-of-the-circle goal from de Souza Silva narrowed Russia's lead to two.

Bulglia Silva and Shesterkov went hard at it in the corner, with the Russian able to set up Davtyan for his country's fifth score of the match.

De Souza Silva continued his blinding form with another, then managed to steal the ball back from Russia's forwards to snaffle another and cut the margin to just one with only 30 seconds on the clock.

But Russia received a vital penalty with only seconds remaining, enabling them to hold off the surging Brazilians and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Photos: Photoworx