Next World Cup surprise
Croatia beat Brazil to become the first team to reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Neymar scored a historic goal in extra time against the 2018 runners-up before Bruno Petkovic saved Croatia’s first shot on goal just before the end. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic once again excelled there and was a solid support for his team throughout the game. The next World Cup surprise is perfect.
As in the round of 16 against Japan, goalkeeper Livakovic became his team’s saviour, saving a Rodrygo penalty. Marquinhos hit the post with the decisive ball. In four of the last five World Cups, the Seleção came to an end in this round, the last time they took part in the final was in 2002. The Croatians, who have been so harmless in the tournament so far, are likely to dream of a repeat of 2018, led by ex-world footballer Luka Modric, who has regained his strength. Opponents on Tuesday (8:00 p.m.) will be either the Argentines with Lionel Messi or the Netherlands with head coach Louis van Gaal.
Neymar snaps for 77th time and catches up with Brazil legend Pelé
Neymar drew level with Brazil’s football legend Pelé with his goal to make it 1-0 in extra time against Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The 30-year-old’s goal on Friday was the 77th in the Seleção shirt, level with record goalscorer Pelé, who is currently hospitalized. However, the rate of the 82-year-old is better. Pelé needed 92 caps for his 77 goals, while Neymar equaled in his 124th cap. The professional from Paris Saint-Germain scored against the Croatians in the 105th + 1 minute.
Neymar is just one of three Brazil internationals to have scored in three different World Cups. Before him, only Pelé and Ronaldo had succeeded.
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