15:32
The Brazilians finished their Group G as group winners ahead of Switzerland and didn’t miss a beat in the round of 16 either. The 4-1 win over the South Koreans who had no chance was a demonstration of their own strength, and the only criticism that followed was the goal celebration, which was probably a bit exaggerated and disrespectful for some tastes. The Brazilians had rehearsed various dances and performed and celebrated them after their goals, once even with coach Tite.
15:28
In Group F, Croatia qualified as group runners-up behind Morocco for the round of 16, where they met surprise Group E winners Japan. The game was tied 1-1 after 120 minutes, but the Croatians only prevailed on penalties thanks to their outstanding goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, who saved three penalties.
15:09
On the other hand, coach Tite sees no reason for a change on the Brazilian side. The 61-year-old puts his trust in exactly the same team that defeated South Korea in the round of 16.
15:04
In terms of personnel, there are two changes in coach Zlatko Dalić’s team compared to the round of 16 victory over Japan: left-back Borna Sosa from VfB Stuttgart returns to the starting XI after illness and relegates his substitute Borna Barišić to the bench. Mario Pašalić also starts for Bruno Petković, who was unlucky against Japan.
14:54
Welcome to the first quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar! After a two-day break, the teams from Croatia and Brazil face off today at the Education City Stadium. The match between the 2018 finalists and the record world champions kicks off at 4:00 p.m.