Croatia surprisingly defeated Brazil on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup
Croatia spectacularly defeated Brazil on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
The two sides were not separated after 90 minutes but Neymar scored for Tite’s side in added time at the end of the first half of extra time to put the South American side ahead.
In the penalty area, the 30-year-old scored his 77th goal for the national team, joining Pelé as the top scorer.
However, Croatia equalized in the 117th minute through Bruno Petković and the 2010 runners-up won 4-2 on penalties.
Croatia will face Argentina or the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the competition on Tuesday.
The first shot of the game came in the fifth minute through Vinicius Junior, but Real Madrid’s shot easily reached Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
Croatia had their chance in the 13th minute when Mario Pašalić broke through on the right and sent a superb low cross towards Ivan Perišić, but the midfielder failed to find the post.
Vinicius was the Brazilian who caused Croatia the most trouble and the forward was blocked in the 21st minute after a combination with Neymar in the penalty area.
Casemiro deflected one in the 23rd minute, only Perišić shot over the goal in the 30th minute and both teams had their moments in the last third of the field.
In the 42nd minute, Livaković saved a deflected Neymar free-kick, but in the first half neither side scored the first goal and Croatia went into half-time happier of both sides.
Brazil nearly broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Raphinha’s low cross caused problems in the Croatian box, but Josko Gvadiol did enough before Livaković blocked Vinícius’ shot after a panic in the box.
Shortly after, there was a VAR check for a possible penalty against Josip Juranović, but it was decided that the game would go on without a penalty shoot-out for Croatia.
Livakovic came on again in the 54th minute to parry a low Neymar shot before Lucas Paquetá’s effort went wide with 25 minutes left after the ball went well to the Ham United midfielder.
The Croatian keeper made another save from Neymar with 15 minutes remaining before repelling a powerful Paquetá shot with 10 minutes left in regulation.
Eder Militão then deflected the bar and Brazil kept pushing for the winner, but Croatia held on and the game went into overtime.
Brazil were the team in the lead but Croatia had a great chance to open the scoring in the 13th minute of added time when Marcelo Brozović found space outside the box but fired high.
In the final moments of the first half of extra time, Tite’s side finally took the lead as Neymar hit the net after a brilliant team movement, the Paris Saint-Germain striker circling the keeper before completing from a tight angle.
Croatia equalized in the final moments, Petković hitting the bottom corner of the box but with the help of Marquinhos’ defence.
Casemiro had a late chance to win but his shot was saved as the game went to penalties.
Nikola Vlašić took over for Croatia and converted from midfield to make it 1-0 before Rodryga Livaković saved a penalty.
Lovro Majer then made it 2-0 against Croatia, but Casemiro responded with a superb goal for Brazil.
Luka Modric was next to hit the bottom corner to make it 3-1 against the 2018 runners-up, before Pedro scored for Brazil to keep Croatia honest in the crucial penalty shoot-out.
Mislav Oršić then found the bottom corner before Marquinhos hit the post, Croatia shocking the tournament favorites and advancing to the semis.
Lineups:
Croatia Replacements: Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Vlasic, Livaja, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic, Barisic
Brazil Replacements: Weverton, Ederson, Fred, Alves, Fabinho, Guimaraes, Antony, Rodrygo, Ribeiro, Bremer, Pedro, Martinelli
Scorers:
Brazil
Yellow Cards:
