QINHUANGDAO, East China, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Brazil and Argentina struggled into semifinals after beating Cameroon and Netherlands 2-0 and 2-1 in extra time, respectively, while Italy was knocked out by neighbor Belgium 3-2.

    The two remaining favorites, Brazil and Argentina, however, will meet in the semifinal next Tuesday.

    The Brazilians had an awful deja-vu-like competition with Cameroon in the Olympic quarterfinals, but this time they avoided repeating history with two late goals.

    In Brazil's last Olympic appearance at the 2000 Games in Sydney, a team containing a young Ronaldinho was knocked out in extra time at the quarterfinal stage by eventual champions Cameroon.

    The five-time World Cup winners finally took a revenge on their opponent, when they broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the extra time. Forward Rafael Sobis relieved the Brazilians from the match when he flicked the ball into the net. Defender Marcelo added the second 4 minutes later, and sealed their berth in the semis.

    Argentina's Lionel Messi again proved his decision to play for his country as he scored a crucial goal for home only 14 minutes into the match, and made a classy through ball to help fellow striker Angel Di Maria took the winner on one-to-one situation before the break of extra time.

    Yet the only favorite from European side, Italy, was upset by Belgium.

    In the 17th minute, Belgium found them in trouble as defender Thomas Vermaelen was expelled for pulling down Italian forward Robert Acquafresca inside the area. Italy was also awarded a penalty kick which was converted by Giuseppe Rossi.

    However, the ten-man-Belgium rallied from 1-0 down with striker Moussa Dembele's header in the 24th minute, and Mirallas' goal before the interval.

    Although the Azzurri equalized the scoreboard with another penalty by Rossi in the 73rd, the tenacious Belgians raced ahead for the second time when Dembele's ferocious long-range attempt left Viviano with no chance.

    In another match, 1996 Olympic champions Nigeria upset fellow African Cote d'Iviore thanks to striker Peter Odemwingie's and Captain Victor Obinna's goals.

    Brazil will take on Argentina, and Belgium is going to play against Nigeria in the semifinals on next Tuesday.