The semi-finalists of the 2015 Cerebral Palsy World Championships were confirmed on Wednesday, as the knockout stage continued at St. George's Park.
Battling out it for a place in the final will be Netherlands, Brazil, Russia and Ukraine – after they overcame USA, Argentina, England and Republic of Ireland respectively.
CP World Championships
Day nine
Netherlands 2-1 USA (AET)
Brazil 4-0 Argentina
Russia 5-0 England
Ukraine 4-0 Rep of Ireland
The first of the four to book their semi-final spot was the Netherlands – but they were made to work for it by a determined USA outfit.
Super-sub Peter Kooij got the crucial strike, deep into the second period of extra-time after the game had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The teams had gone into the break with the game goalless.
Holland had seen a lot more of the ball, but USA had the best of the chances – an entertaining if scoreless first half.
Monteiro Guimaraes celebrates (Photo: Keith Clayton)
Jeroen Schuitert eventually broke the deadlock to put Holland ahead.
America drew level from the spot through David Garza as the game approached the closing stages.
In extra-time both teams pushed for a winner, but as Kooij replaced Visker, the substitute made a name for himself with the crucial winning goal just as everyone was turning their thoughts to penalties.
The day's other games were far less nervy affairs.
Ireland's dream of a semi-final spot was ended by Ukraine
Brazil – tipped by many to push favourites Russia and Ukraine all the way – waltzed past their South American rivals Argentina 4-0.
They went in to the game on the back of 18 goals in three group games, and dominated once again from the off.
Monteiro Guimaraes and Brito da Costa each grabbed a brace as the Samba Boys recorded a comfortable victory.
European champions Ukraine also made light work of their afternoon's work, with a 4-0 victory against Ireland.
Goals from Yevhen Zinoviev, Artem Krasylnykov and a brace from Volodymr Antoniuk set up a tantalising last-four tie with Brazil.
The tournament has been played in great spirits throughout and England and Russia's game was no different
The other semi-final will be contested between the Netherlands and Russia – who knocked out the hosts England with another commanding display.
Russia – who have now scored 27 and conceded just once in their four games – beat the Three Lions 5-0 thanks to goals from Dimitrii Pestretsov, Georgiy Albegov, Eduard Ramonov, Ivan Potekhin, Alexander Kuligin.
The tournament is far from over for England though. Keith Webb's side still have fifth place to play for – the highest World Championships finish in their history.
They face USA on Friday 26 June.
