In one of the most dramatic ends to the FIFA World Cup game in this edition, Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties in the first quarter-finals to advance to the tournament’s semi-finals.
Dominik Livakovic saved Rodrygo’s first spot-kick and Marquinhos hit the post to give Croatia a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Brazil on Friday. After a goalless 90 minutes, it was Brazil who took a lead as Neymar who broke the deadlock in the first half of extra time to give Brazil the lead.
However, the joy was short-lived, as Bruno Petkovic equalized with three minutes(117th minutes) left on the clock to send the contest to a shootout. In the penalty shootout, Rodrygo missed the first attempt for Brazil, and Marquihos missed the deciding shot, as Croatia win 4-2. Brazil bow out in the quarterfinals for the second time in a row.
Each of Croatia’s four penalty takers – Nikola Vlasic, Mislav Orsic, Lovro Majer, and Luka Modric – found the net but Brazil’s Rodrygo’s opening penalty was saved by Dominik Livakovic, who had an standout performance through the game, and Marquinhos hit the post to knock out the Brazil team that were largely considered pre-tournament favorites.
Neymar reached 77 goals and draw level with Pele as the team’s top scorer, a record held by the Brazilian great for 51 years. Neymar could draw level with Pele in one respect but he may never stand alongside him in another. Pele was a triple World Cup winner and, at 30, Neymar’s have none.
Dominik Livakovic, the penalty king who showed his prowess in open play, and by the remarkable obduracy of this extraordinary Croatia team. A country of just 4 million people are in a second successive semi-final and the favorites are out. Brazil have to wait as there will be no sixth World Cup for the Selecao. Not now anyway.
Final lineup :
Brazil (4-3-3) : Alisson; Militao, T. Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar; Raphinha, Vinicius, Richarlison.
Croatia (4-3-3 ): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Perisic, Kramaric.
Goal :
105+1′ : Neymar :
117′ Bruno Petkcovic
105 +1′ : GOAL BRAZIL! A moment of Brazil brilliance makes Neymar Jr put Brazil ahead!
NEYMAR BREAKS THE DEADLOCK! THE BRAZILIAN STAR RISES TO THE OCCASION!
Neymar exchanges passes with Rodrygo and Pedro, then powers into the box and beats Livakovic with a sensational finish near the goal line! He equals Pele’s all-time Brazilian record with his 77th goal for the country
117′ : GOAL CROATIA! Bruno Petkovic equalizes for Croatia!
CROATIA HAS SCORED! WITH FOUR MINUTES LEFT IN EXTRA TIME! Bruno Petkovic has scored the equalizer for Croatia
Penalties :
Vlasic scores!
Smashes it down the middle.
PENALTIES: BRA 0-1 CRO
Rodrygo misses!
Livakovic has more heroics left in him. Guesses right and stops it
PENALTIES: BRA 0-1 CRO
Sosa scores!
Right down the middle again.
PENALTIES: BRA 0-2 CRO
Casemiro scores
Emphatic penalty, scoring despite Livakovic guessing right.
PENALTIES: BRA 1-2 CRO
Modric slots it in
Never in doubt.
PENALTIES: BRA 1-3 CRO
Pedro scores
Hops and sends Livakovic the wrong way.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-3 CRO
Orsic scores
Emphatic into the bottom corner. Side netting.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-4 CRO
Marquinhos misses! CROATIA ARE THROUGH!
Steps up and hits the post. Jubilation for Croatia. Heartbreak for Brazil. Unbelievable scenes.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-4 CRO
Brazil are left stunned. What a performance from Croatia. Resilient through and through.
Final score : Croatia defeated Brazil 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) to reach FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi-Finals.