Kevin De Bruyne credited Belgium's defence for keeping Brazil at bay allowing the Red Devils to take risks in attack that led to their 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal victory on Friday.
After Fernandinho's early own goal, De Bruyne doubled Belgium's lead just past the half-hour mark, firing a low, line drive into the side netting from a Romelu Lukaku assist after the Manchester United striker's marauding run through midfield.
But De Bruyne said none of Belgium's forward momentum would have been possible without the backline frustrating Brazil's stacked attack of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus Philippe Coutinho and Willian.
"This game was our big test. Brazil are very strong offensively," De Bruyne said. "We played a perfect first half. We knew they created a lot of chances, but we took the risk by playing with two players high. In the second half they adapted their system.
"I want to give all the credits to the people defending. Thanks to them we made the difference up front with only three players. We had a plan and we did our tasks as good as possible. Not always easy, but today it worked out fine. Still two games to go!"
Thibaut Courtois, who made a fine save to tip over a late shot from Neymar, said Brazil were the superior attacking side, but the goalkeeper was happy to have reached the semifinal "the difficult way."
"Great performance from the whole team. We played really well, especially in the first half," Courtois said. "Our tactical plan was perfect. Brazil had it really difficult with our counter-attacks. We kept on defending well.
"The second half was more difficult. Brazil was offensively stronger, but in the end we all did it.
"We have to be proud of ourselves. Now we are in the semis. We wanted to stay until the end. Everyone said... the difficult way, but there is only one way: straight to the final!"
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said Brazil refused to accept that the five-time World Cup champions had more talent.
"We had to accept Brazil had more finesse, quality to break us down. In the end we didn't accept that," said Martinez, who has been linked to the Spain job amid Belgium's success.
"Not for one minute they weren't going to give up. This is something special. These boys deserve to be real special people back by the people in Belgium. I hope everyone in Belgium is really proud."
Martinez also hailed his player for adapting to a new formation in such a short amount of time since their win over Japan.
"I've never lost a game on the tactics board. It's about the execution of the tactics," Martinez said. "When you say we play in a certain way, as a player you need to brave to accept it. And these boys changed their tactical disposition in two days. They approached it. That's nothing to do with tactics, but all with desire.
"Everyone wanted this to make it happen. I couldn't be more proud as a coach. The players executed it to perfection."