Forward Maicon Marques Bitencourt helped Brazil beat Germany 2-1 here on Saturday to reach the semifinals of FIFA U-20 World Cup.

After a combative yet fruitless first half, German midfielder Lewis Holtby scored the first goal with a powerful header at the 73rd minute to put Germany ahead.

The Brazilians pressed hard but did not score the equalizer until the 88th minute, which was contributed by Maicon.

At the first minute of the extra time, Maicon, savior of the South American U20 champion hopeful, scored another goal fed by a long pass to end the match 2-1 and guarantee his team a seat in the semifinals.

The match witnessed six yellow cards, with two against Brazil and four against Germany.