RIO DE JANEIRO: The Pakistan Street Child football team on Friday reached the semi-finals of the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) after defeating Philippines on penalties.

The game was forced into a penalty shootout after full-time and extra-time failed to break the 1-1 deadlock between the two teams.

The Pakistani side eventually emerged victorious after scoring three penalties as opposed to the two the Philippines managed to score.

The Pakistani team have been very successful in the SCWC tournament which is being held in Brazil.

Previously they had defeated Kenya 2-0 in their second match of the tournament after defeating defending champions India 13-0 in the opener.

The SCWC brings together some of the most disadvantaged youths from 19 countries for 10 days of football, art, sightseeing and workshops.

The Pakistan team was sent to the World Cup by Azad Foundation, British Council and Unicef.

The Amos Trust, a British non-profit organisation, convinced football's governing body FIFA to initiate the Street Child World Cup in 2010.

The first edition was held in South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup and featured Brazil, South Africa, Nicaragua, Ukraine, India, the Philippines, Tanzania and a team from England.