Brazil's Paulista University were among the sides to exit the tournament ©FISU

All four group winners were defeated by runners-up on a surprising day of men's quarter-final action at the International University Sports Federation University World Cup Football in Jinjiang.

The casualties in China included Brazil's Paulista University, who many considered the pre-tournament favourites.

They were held to a 1-1 draw by the Autonomous University of Mexico State, who then triumphed 3-2 via a penalty shoot-out.

In an all-Asian quarter-final, Thailand's Bangkok Thonburi University fell to South Korea's Myongji University, also after spot kicks.

The Koreans came through 5-3 after a goalless draw.

Uruguay's University of the Republic saw off the University of Malaga ©FISU
Uruguay's University of the Republic saw off the University of Malaga ©FISU

Spain's University of Malaga were unbeaten in the group stage but fell to Uruguay's University of the Republic who registered a 2-0 victory.

Australia's University of Wollongong also won 2-0 to eliminate Russia's Smolensk State Academy of Physical Education.

In the semi-finals on Friday (November 29), Autonomous University of Mexico State take on the University of Wollongong, with the University of the Republic meeting Myongji University.

The women's semi-finals are tomorrow.