By defeating Brazil in the penalty shootout, Croatia has advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is their second consecutive luck in the shootout. At the Education City Stadium on Friday, Croatia defeated Brazil 4-2 in the first quarterfinal following a penalty shootout. Brazil, the most prolific five-time champion and championship contender, has been eliminated from the quarterfinals with the loss.
The winner of the second quarterfinal Argentina will play Croatia in the semifinals. Earlier, in the round of 16, Croatia upset Japan on penalties, with goalkeeper Livakovic emerging as the winner.
Croatian players Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric, and Mislav Orsis all converted penalties. For Croatia, the goalie once more emerged as the hero. Brazil’s initial shot by Rodrigo was stopped by him. For Brazil, only Casemiro and Pedro scored goals. Croatia’s victory was sealed when Marquinhos hit the post after scoring a penalty at number four. Previously, 30 minutes of extra time were added to the game after neither team scored in the scheduled 90 minutes. Brazil tried to score continuously in the first half, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic held firm. In the scheduled 90 minutes, he made eight saves for Brazil. Brazil relentlessly attacked Croatia in the first half.
Brazil made 14 shots, 8 of which were on target but missed the goal. Croatia attempted six shots, but none were successful. By blocking shots from Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta of Brazil, Livakovic propelled Croatia into extra time. Because Croatia’s strikers were unable to generate opportunities, Brazil’s goalkeeper Alison Baker did not need to be active at the designated time. Both teams attempted to score during extra time, and one goal was scored by each side. Neymar scored for Brazil to take the lead in the last seconds of the first extra period. Neymar’s goal also brought him up to Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil. Neymar played 124 games, tying Pele’s record. This feat was completed by Pele in 92 games. Brazil was almost successful after Neymar’s strike, but Croatia equalized in the 117th minute.
In the 117th minute, Bruno Petkovic, who had just come on as a substitute, leveled the score. Mislav Orsis passed to Petkovic, who shot, hitting the Brazilian player and scoring. With the goal, Croatia tied the score and prevailed in the shootout.
