Brazil, the favorites to win this year’s World Cup, are out of Qatar 2022 after being beaten 1-1 (4-2) on penalties by Croatia in Friday’s dramatic quarter-final.
It looked like Neymar had won it for Brazil after he scored a stunning solo goal in extra time – equaling Pele’s international record for the Seleção with his 77th goal – but Bruno Petkovic broke Brazilian hearts with a late goal to equalization. the game on penalties.
It was Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković who was the hero once again in proceedings, saving Rodrygo’s first-time effort before defender Marquinhos saw his effort hit the post to send Croatia through to the semi-finals. Livakovic also saved three penalties in his side’s win against Japan in the previous round.
“Definitely something special against the favourites,” Croatia defender Dejan Lovren told reporters after the match.
“We said in the last half of the last 15 minutes, don’t stop believing. Everyone said it and we knew it. We knew we would come back no matter how difficult it was at times.”
It was a dizzying end to another remarkable game in Qatar that took until extra time to really get going.
After a dazzling performance against South Korea in the round of 16, Brazil were sent into the trenches by Croatia.
The game was largely reduced to low half chances and resolute defending as Livakovic saved twice from Neymar to keep the scores level in the second half.
With neither team able to find the difference, the match went to extra time which automatically favored Croatia.
At the 2018 World Cup, Zlatko Dalic’s side won three knockout rounds after taking the game to extra time and beating Japan on penalties in the previous round in Qatar.
But Neymar seemed to have upset that particular script when he produced arguably the moment of the tournament so far.
The star striker dropped deep to collect the ball before splitting the Croatia defense with two bounces with team-mates before unleashing his effort into the roof of the net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations inside the Education City Stadium with Neymar close to tears after seemingly inspiring his side to the semi-finals.
But football can be tough and Croatia never gave up.
In the 116th minute, Petkovic stunned Brazil by scoring the equalizer and forcing the game into penalties with his team’s first shot on goal.
Despite captaining and his team’s star player, Neymar missed a penalty as Croatia – who have now won four World Cup shootouts – scored all of their efforts before Brazil managed to score their fifth.
Croatia, the beaten finalists in 2018, will now face either Argentina or the Netherlands for a place in the World Cup finals, while Brazil will be left to come to terms with yet another missed opportunity.
Brazilian fans looked stunned at the final whistle, while tears flowed from players on the pitch.
It was already a World Cup of upsets and this was another one to add to the list.
Brazil were the top team at the World Cup and boasted an incredible array of talent, with Neymar and Vinicius Junior lighting up the tournament.
But they faced a Croatia side who, despite not impressing so far in Qatar, know how to win knockout games.
With a population of less than four million people, Croatia have gone above and beyond in recent years and midfield maestro Luka Modric is at the heart of it.
The 37-year-old was again at the heart of Croatia’s performance against Brazil, pulling the strings in midfield and keeping his side up against opponents of far greater quality.
“We are really special,” added Lovren.
“We never gave up. Never keep your head down. We are a really small country, but today we showed that we are big.”
