Gabriel Jesus scored the decisive spot-kick, sending Paraguay goalkeeper Gatito Fernández the wrong way, as Brazil won the shootout 4-3 to return to the tournament’s semi-finals for the first time since 2007, when they secured an eighth triumph.

It came after Gustavo Gómez and Derlis González had failed to convert for Paraguay, with goalkeeper Alisson saving the former’s attempt and the latter shooting wide.

Brazil were beaten by Paraguay on penalties in 2011 and 2015, but they prevailed this time despite Firmino dragging his spot-kick wide when they led 3-2.

Willian, Marquinhos and Philippe Coutinho netted their penalties for Brazil, while Miguel Almirón, Bruno Valdez and Juan Rodrigo Rojas scored for Paraguay.

Paraguay had Fabián Balbuena sent off after 58 minutes for a foul on Firmino that was initially called a penalty kick but was reversed after a Video Assistant Referee check showed the offence had taken place outside the box.

Brazil pressed hard thereafter, but could not capitalise on their many opportunities.

Jesus, Coutinho, Everton and Firmino all missed great chances in front of the goal.

Fernández made a superb reflex save to thwart Alex Sandro's close-range header near the end and he could only watch in the final minute when a low shot by Willian hit the post.

Next up for Brazil is the winner of tomorrow's quarter-final between Venezuela and Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.

That will be followed by the last-eight tie between Colombia and Chile in São Paulo.

The fourth quarter-final pits Uruguay against Peru in Salvador on Saturday (June 29).