Brazil’s dancers fail from the spot – and a whole country is once again in deep mourning: the new record goalscorer Neymar and the Selecao suddenly lost their magic in the World Cup quarter-finals against biting Croatians, the 2: 4 on penalties sealed the early end of the title favourites. After 120 minutes of staid minutes, it was 1: 1 (0: 0).
Only in extra time did Neymar put Brazil ahead with a solo (105th), catching up with the great Pele as the country’s record scorer. But Bruno Petkovic (117th) equalized, it was Croatia’s first shot on goal.
And then Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic became the hero of the penalty kicks again, having already caused the Japanese to despair in the round of 16. Now he saved Rodrygo’s attempt, Marquinhos also failed at the post.
Vice world champions Croatia continue in the semi-finals against the Netherlands or Argentina, while Brazil are developing a serious European complex: since the final triumph against Germany 20 years ago, there have been six knockout duels against European teams – and six defeats . The dream of “Hexa”, the sixth title, will not manifest itself this winter either.
Croatia, meanwhile, is slowly establishing itself among the best in the world and is in the semi-finals of a World Cup for the third time after 1998 (3rd) and 2018 (2nd). Old star Luka Modric set the pace again against Brazil and also did defensive tasks. Bundesliga stars Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig) and Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim) were also in the starting XI and helped to unnerve the supposedly overpowering opponents. That was impressive. Brazil almost danced to victory in the round of 16 against South Korea (4-1), but on Friday the team seemed sluggish.
It had previously been the epitome of certainty of victory. On the bus ride to the Education City Stadium, the team was already singing about the title, now the final on December 18th will again be played without Brazil. And Neymar, now 30, is running out of time. From Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo, only those who make their country a Campeao mundial at least once achieve legendary status – it could eventually resign as an incomplete.
Croatia’s keeper strong against Brazil
The problems became apparent early in the game, Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic let his experienced team attack high with great running effort. The favorite was not used to that at this World Cup. Modric also took Casemiro in man coverage – and the former Bayern professional Ivan Perisic had the first chance to score (13th).
Croatia defended confidently and had decided to get on the nerves of the noble technicians with consistency and counterattacks. A pinch of healthy hardness, also against Neymar, was part of the tactic, Gvardiol organized the defense strongly. Josip Juranovic made a very positive impression in right midfield.
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Brazil initially made more steam after the break. Gvardiol was immediately the center of attention: first he almost scored his own goal (47th), then he saved with a sliding tackle against Neymar – who was, however, offside. Later, Neymar was denied by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, the hero of the penalty shootout in the round of 16 against Japan (55′).
Surprisingly, Croatia didn’t get less possession than their opponents, but the Brazilian pressure now increased. Livakovic also had to intervene against Lucas Paqueta (66′), ten minutes later he saved against Neymar. It soon went goalless into extra time, and it was only here that the encounter picked up speed – and Neymar only seemed like the great hero for a few minutes.
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