Croatia national team made history following their stunning breakthrough into the last four of the Qatar World Cup.
Dalic’s team is famous for being triumphant in World cup penalty shoot-outs as they never fail in the quarter-finals and they did it again in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Since Croatia was readmitted as a FIFA member in 1992 after their independence, Dalic’s side has reached the World Cup semi-finals in all three times they’ve had the chance.
Croatia has won four consecutive penalty shootouts in the quarter-finals during the last two World Cups.
In 2018, Croatia was the finalist after beating Denmark in the round of 16 and the host team, Russia in the quarter-finals, both in a penalty shootout.
Former Croatian goalkeeper, Danijel Subašić, established himself as the hero as he saved three shots against Denmark and one against Russia.
They also showed off a dramatic performance in the semi-finals, beating England’s Three Lions 2-1 in extra time.
Meanwhile, the Croatian World Cup battalions have continued on the same path in Qatar with their vigilant goalkeeper, Livakovic.
Four years after their remarkable World Cup contest in Russia, the Croatians are looking forward to doing it all again.
Coach Dalic’s team knocked out Japan 3-1 in a penalty shootout at Al Janoub Stadium Stadium to move into the quarterfinals after finishing extra time in a 1-1 draw.
Thanks to the Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic who saved three penalties from Minamino, Mitoma, and Yoshida to help his side overcome Japan in the round of 16.
Croatia didn’t hesitate to hunt down the World Cup favorite Brazil and sent them packing, following their shocking victory against Neymar’s confident team.
Against Brazil, Croatia managed to survive for 120 minutes against the Brazilian giant in a 1-1 draw.
The Croatian goalkeeper deserves to be credited as he established himself as a stronghold against the terrific Brazilian team and destroyed their hope of victory following his incredible move in the 4-2 penalties shootout.
Croatia’s goalie, Livakovic, and Argentina’s Goicoechea and Subasic are the goalkeepers who have saved the most penalties in shootouts in World Cup history.
In addition, the potency of Croatia’s penalty shooters can not be over-emphasized as only Livaja has missed a penalty in Qatar World Cup.
Vlasic missed it twice while Brozovic, Pasalic, Modric, Majer, and Orsic all hit their target.
The reigning runners-up, Croatia are infallible and when it comes to penalty shootouts, there’s no team with them.
The only way out to defeat Croatia is to hit them earlier with goals during playtime. Failure to do that, when it gets to penalty, Croatia undoubtedly will emerge as victors.
Croatia is through to the semifinals after defeating Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Friday, December 9.
As it stands, Croatia have certainly established themselves as a World Cup favorite.
Coming into the tournament, Croatia’s coach, Zlatko Dalic, was determined to decorate his team as the lively underdogs and he has positioned Croatia as one of European best football nations.
What’s Next?
Croatia will head on to face Argentina in their semi-finals on Tuesday, 13th of December.
The semi-final clash between Argentina and Croatia will take place at Lusail Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm.
