Croatia bundled out Brazil via penalty shootouts to reach second consecutive World Cup semifinals.
Head to Head
The recorded head-to-head favored Brazil going into the game. They have never lost their last previous meetings against the Croats, winning three and drawing one. Croatia, on the other hand, have clashed five times against South Americans in the World Cup, losing four and winning only one.
However, they still have poor records of Brazil against European opponents to count on. The Brazilians have lost all five World Cup knockout games against European sides since 2002
Starting Lineup
Croatia made two changes to the team that was fielded against Japan in the round of 16. Sosa and Pasalic replaced Barisic and Petkovic, respectively. Tite made no change to the Brazil team that smashed South Korea 4-1 in the round of 16.
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa; Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic; Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic.
Brazil: Alisson; Eder Miltao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo; Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison.
First Half Report
It was a cagey affair between both sides as the first half of the encounter kicked off. Both teams did well enough to mark out each other inside the box, counter and block goal threats.
Brazil had a slight advantage with the ball possession as the game proceeded. They dominated proceedings and made attempts to break the tight Croatian defence led by Gvardiol.
Croatia also gave a good performance. They marked out the Brazilians on the edge of the box, won duels, including aerials, and waited patiently to catch the Selecao on the counter.
As the game progressed, both sides pushed earnestly against each other with quick and fast-paced drives inside the box. Brazil proved more dangerous, while Croatia stood their ground and also launched offensives when they can.
It was a high-pitched game, with the emotions in the stands spilling into the pitch as both sides tried to find an opening goal, all to no avail. The first half ended barren. Croatia succeeded in taking the Brazilians, but they, too, failed to create any clear chance in the game.
Second Half Report
Both teams filed into the pitch for the second half. Brazil ramped up attempts to find an early goal. Croatia held on maintaining same tactics as in the first half.
Brazil created more chances in the game, but failed to find the back of the net. The Tite-led squad utilized all the attacking arsenals in their possession but was unable to convert chances.
Croatia stood their ground and held on. They rarely made any existential threats to the Brazil backline but had come across some chances too. Both teams failed to score, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw as they headed into extra time.
Extra Time Report
The extra time of the game started well, with both teams already looking exhausted, having played 90 minutes plus added time already.
In the 105th minute, Neymar broke the goal deadlock, sending Brazilian fans into a loud uproar as theme Selecao finally took the lead.
A belligerent Croatia side sped their attack in search of an equaliser, and surprisingly they got it with three minutes of extra time remaining in the game.
It was Petkovic with a 117th-minute strike beating Allison Becker to give the Croats a surprise equalser. The game ended 1-1 after extra time.
Penalty Report
The penalties started with Rodrygo missing the first spot kick, which was saved perfectly by the goalkeeper.
The penalty kick came to an end, with Croatia beating Brazil 4-2 to make it into the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
