BRA vs CRO QF: As the 2018 frontrunners ruined Brazil’s World Cup ambition, Dominik Livakovic yet again emerged as Croatia’s penalty shootout protagonist.
After a scoreless first 90 minutes, Neymar believed he had secured a spot in the semifinals for the 5 time champions with a sensational extra-time goal.
Bruno Petkovic, a replacement, beat Alisson with a diverted shot in the 117th minute, giving Zlatko Dalic’s extraordinary squad a sting in the tail.
Then Croatia scored four out of 4 from the penalty spot, making them unbeatable. As a result of Livakovic stopping Rodrygo’s 1st penalty attempt and Marquinhos hitting the woodwork with Brazil’s 4th, Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain was left hoping for a 5th penalty that eventually materialized in a 4-2 loss on penalties.
Luka Modric and his teammates will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Argentina in the semifinals, marking Brazil’s fourth exit at the claws of a European country overall.
BRA vs CRO QF: Croatia’s excellent forward play
BRA vs CRO QF: Although tying the legendary Pele for most goals ever scored in Brazil, Neymar concluded the night considering leaving the grandest platform. He began it by cutting a disgruntled appearance in a first half in which Croatia had the finest opportunity, with Josip Juranovic and Ivan Perisic just missing converting a teaser cross from unexpected opener Mario Pasalic.
Brazil was frequently confused by a Modric-led midfield until taking control in the second half.
At that point, Livakovic, who had outperformed themselves to defeat Japan in the preceding round, took center stage. He twice prevented Neymar from scoring by stopping Richarlison’s balls over the top with his feet. And he also expertly stopped Lucas Paqueta in close range.
BRA vs CRO QF: Defensive excellence of Croatia guarded them throughout
BRA vs CRO QF: Neymar gladly agreed, executing a pair of one-twos to rip up the Croatian defense. Since it was supposed to take anything exceptional to defeat Livakovic. Neymar effortlessly swaggered through Livakovic and smashed into the back of the net from an extreme angle. After replacement Pedro’s 2nd comeback pass was mishit.
However, Petkovic, who otherwise had a slow contribution. Created a startling twist before Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Modric, and Orsic all maintained their composure from 12 yards. Turning Neymar into an emotional onlooker.
Brazil was frequently confused by a Modric-led center until taking control in the 2nd quarter.
BRA vs CRO QF: Neymar’s stylish finish in the extra time
BRA vs CRO QF: Neymar gladly agreed, executing a pair of one-twos to rip up the Croatian defense since it was going to take somebody exceptional to defeat Livakovic.
Neymar effortlessly swaggered around Livakovic and smashed into the roof of the net from an extreme angle after replacement Pedro’s attempted return pass miscontrolled. Coach Tite of the Brazilian side was obviously anxious as the contest dragged into additional time. Yet Neymar’s goal had them daydreaming about the semifinals.
Livakovic becomes the superstar goalkeeper
Dominik Livakovic, a goalkeeper for Croatia, blocked the first Brazilian penalty kick while his compatriots missed none after Bruno Petkovic’s 117th-minute strike leveled the game and saved the heavy opponents. Croatia advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the 2nd consecutive edition with a 4-2 victory on penalties.
In its Tournament History, the Croatian side has progressed to penalties four occasions and won every time. Neymar’s additional time aim, which matched him with the legendary Pelé for first on Brazil’s all-time striking chart. Appeared to be sufficient to advance the heavy favorites after Brazil had 11 shots on goal through 120 minutes
Marquinhos and Rodrygo’s penalty misses upset the Brazilians
The Croats maintained their calm from the penalty mark as Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo missed their conversions. The Croats required 2 shootouts and an extra-time victory to get to the finale in 2018.
As Brazil’s Marquinhos and Rodrygo missed their penalty kicks, Croatia, who considered necessary 2 shootouts maintained their composure. Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric, and Orsic managed to complete a fine combination of Croatian penalty kicks. Guaranteeing advancement to the championship’s last four.
However, 3 minutes or so even before the 2nd overtime period’s final siren. Petkovic maneuvered into positioning and fired an effort that redirected past Brazilian goalie Alisson.
Tuesday’s semifinal matchup between Croatia and potentially the Netherlands or Argentina will take place.
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