Qatar 2022: Croatia stun Brazil as they transfer to the semifinal stage

2018 World Cup finalists Croatia proceed their run in the direction of their second successive closing look as they defeated the favourites Brazil in a penalty shootout in Qatar. It was not the primary penalty shootout for the Croatians in Qatar 2022, having defeated Japan in an identical manner within the spherical of 16.

Dominated by Brazil for big elements of the sport, Croatia saved them quiet all through the 90 minutes by means of some resolute defending. After the regulation time couldn’t separate the 2 sides, the sport went to further time, and that’s when the Brazilian famous person Neymar lastly made his presence felt.

Once Neymar put Brazil forward throughout the additional time, it was nearly sure that the 5-times champions Brazil will progress to the semifinals however the Croatians had different concepts. In the 116th minute, Croatia equalised with their first shot on course as Bruno Petkovic swept the ball house leveling issues at 1-1.

Once it completed 1-1 on the finish of the additional time and it went to penalties, Croatia checked out their hero from the sport in opposition to Japan, Dominik Livakovic, to ship as soon as once more, and boy did he ship.

During the penalty shootout, Croatia scored all their penalties as Vlasic, Majer, Modric, and Orsic all discovered the again of the online previous Allison, however for Brazil, Rodrygo’s penalty was saved by Croatian famous person Dominik Livakovic after which Marquinhos hit the publish along with his penalty, handing Croatia a historic win.

Brazil was the overwhelming favourites to win the whole event, and so they seemed set to do it as soon as they obtained the lead, however Croatia simply refused to surrender, and pulled off one of many best upsets of all time within the event.

This is the final main event for the best ever Croatian participant Luka Modric, and it appears to be like like he isn’t within the temper to log out simply but. His commanding efficiency within the midfield was one of many principal the explanation why Croatia might sustain with Brazil and as he awaits the winner of Netherlands vs Argentina, each these groups know that it received’t be a straightforward journey within the semifinals in opposition to one of many best midfielders of all instances.