Hibs keeper helps Belgium into semis

Published on Monday 18 August 2008 08:36

HIBS goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay made his Olympic debut as Belgium twice came from behind to beat Italy and secure their place in the tournament's semi-finals.

Ma-Kalambay, who had been forced to sit on the bench for his country's three previous matches, made his appearance as a 68th minute substitute after No.1 choice Logan Bailly injured his shoulder after a clash with Villareal's Giuseppe Rossi.

And just five minutes later he was beaten as Rossi tucked away his second penalty of the game, to haul the Italians level after Kevin Mirallas had given Belgium the lead.

But Ma-Kalambay and his team-mates had the last laugh as Moussa Dembele, who had earlier cancelled out Rossi's opener, claimed his second goal of the game with 11 minutes remaining.

The Belgians had been forced to play 73 minutes with just ten men after Thomas Vermaelen was sent off for hauling down Robert Acquafresca to earn Italy the first of their two spot-kicks.

But in the celebrations following what proved to be Belgium's winner, Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano was sent off.

Belgium will now face Nigeria in the semi-finals in Shanghai tomorrow.