Croatia's players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout during the Qatar World Cup quarter-final match between Croatia and Brazil at the Education City Stadium on December 9, 2022. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)
Doha: Croatia knocked hot favourites Brazil out of the World Cup with a 4-2 win in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals at Education City Stadium, yesterday.
The 2018 runners-up were on the brink of exit after Neymar’s brilliance broke the deadlock in extra time before Bruno Petkovic equalised in 117 minutes as game headed to penalties – a situation that suited the Croatians.
Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who was beaten only once in the match while blocking a flurry of shots on target in the match, kept his side on top from the first spot kick blocking Rodrygo’s shot.
With Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric and Mislav Orsic all on target for Croatia, Marquinhos’ hit on the post – after Casemiro and Pedro scored for Brazil – wrapped up a hard-fought victory for Zlatko Dalic’s men. It was their first-ever win over Brazil.
Croatia, who also defeated Japan on penalties in the last 16, have now won all four of their World Cup penalty shootouts.
“We’re raised as fighters. We spare no effort -- we’re always giving our best and that’s our recipe for success,” Livakovic said after the win.
Croatia will meet Argentina who beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties yesterday in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
“This is not the end, we are moving on. We can achieve a lot,” said coach Dalic.
“This is a victory for Croatian people. A great match. We eliminated the main favourites. This is Croatia — pride, courage, faith and patriotism.”
“Croatia is the best when it’s needed. When it matters, Croatia always succeeds. No one should underestimate us,” the coach added.
Dalic’s side frustrated the five-time winners in regulation time before Neymar came up with a solo effort in 105+1 minutes to score his 77th international goal – equalling great Pele’s record as all-time highest scorer for Brazil.
It was a brilliant strike from the Brazilian talisman, who after exchanging passes with Rodrygo and Pedro surged into the box before beating Livakovic to slot on the roof of the net from a tight angle.
But Petkovic’s strike – Croatia’s first shot on target in the match – after a ball from substitute Orsic brought his side back into the game, beating Alisson after taking a slight deflection.
Croatia were paid for showing resilience and solid defence with Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic and Modric outstanding in the midfield.
They were competitive from the start not allowing Brazil spaces knowing the capability of the side that scored four goals against South Korea in the first half.
Vinicius Junior had an early burst that saw him shooting straight at hands of Livakovic but Croatia denied Brazil free-flowing football.
The Selecao managed to take three shots on target in the first half including a free kick from Neymar from just outside the box, which took a deflection off the wall to land in Livakovic’s hands.
Croatia also had some good moments with Josip Juranovic showing impressive runs to scare the Brazilians. He created a good opportunity close to quarter of an hour, driving down from right and setting Mario Pasalic for a good cross but Ivan Perisic failed to connect the ball from a good position.
Tite’s side came back pressing for a goal following the break but they had no solution for Croatia’s defence particularly for Livakovic. They were on target five times in the second session but they could not get a way past the goalkeeper.
Brazil looked for a spot kick in 50 minutes but VAR ruled Juranovic’s handball was not a penalty.
Croatia managed to slow down pace of the match and Livakovic blocked another attempt after a one on one with Lucas Paqueta before stopping Neymar’s shot with his knee. Richarlison also headed over the bar following a cross as game moved to extra time.
Neymar thought he has scored the winner with his landmark goal but Petkovic leveled to take match into the shootout which Brazil didn’t want.
“It is difficult. I have been through some disappointments in my life and when we lose something important that we have as an objective it hurts quite a lot,” said Brazil captain Thiago Silva.
“But we have to try to lift our heads and carry on. There is no other alternative.
“Sadly as a player I am not going to get to lift this trophy. Who knows if in future I will get the chance in another role.”
