Croatia beat Brazil on penalties, qualify for World Cup Semi-finals

Croatia have reached the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup after beating Brazil 4-2 on penalties.

After a tough contest during the ninety, Tite’s men believed they had won it in extra time when PSG forward Neymar scored a fantastic goal. to equal Brazil’s ‘official’ men’s goalscoring record.

Croatia responded in second half extra time when substitute Bruno Petkovic finished off a brilliant move to force the game into extra time. The goal also proved to be Croatia’s first shot on target in the game.

The European side had beaten Japan in similar fashion in the last round, emerging victorious via the shootouts.

Once again, Croatia put up a spirited display, characterized by their stubbornness and resilience. However, they were a well organised outfit and successfully stifled out all of Brazil’s attacking forays.

Crooatia coach Zlatko Dalić said this of captain Luka Modrić: “Modrić played 120 minutes, led us to victory, scored a penalty when needed. He is unreal. He wasn’t tired, he never stopped. I wanted to change him in extra-time, he said he was completely ready to play.”

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Neymar should have won it for Brazil in normal time but he, alongside Lucas Paquetá, could not find the back of the net. Croatia will have goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to thank for his heroics. The Dinamo Zagreb man made an outstanding 11 saves, the most by a goalkeeper at this tournament.

Neymar’s goal is his 77th international goal and he has equalled Pele’s official goals record. The record is recognised by Fifa but not the Brazilian national team.

Since defeating Germany in the 2002 final, Selecao have been eliminated in five consecutive World Cups by a European team.

Croatia now turn attention to semis

Interestingly, eight of Croatia’s past nine knockout games at major competitions have now gone into extra time. This only shows how mentally strong and tactically tough they have been.

After 120 minutes of goalless action, Croatia scored four of their spot kicks to Brazil’s two. Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric and Mislav Orsic all converted their efforts to help Croatia advance to their third World Cup semi-final.

The Brazilians were left in tears with the likes of Neymar, Rodrygo, Antony and others looking dejected.

Croatia will face either Argentina or Netherlands in the semis next Tuesday.