The sequence of upsets at the FIFA World Cup 2022 has not stopped as tournament favorites Brazil have been kicked out of the World cup by 2018 finalists Croatia on penalties. Despite the fact that Brazil were the favorites to walk away with a win and enter the Semi-finals, the Croats were able to hold them by 1-1 even during the extra time but their efficiency during the Penalties will see them enter a second WC Semi-final in a row.
Croatian Goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic, the hero of the Europeans’ saved them once again in a do or die penalty shootout – first against Japan in the round of 16 and last night against the mighty Brazilians. Since the match began, it was evenly contested by both the teams with Brazil and Croatia both going back and forth with counter attacks.
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Both the teams were unable to find the back of the net during the regulation time of 90 minutes before Neymar’s ecstatic effort in 105+1 minute to give Brazil the lead. In second half of the extra-time, 3 minutes before 120 minutes in the 117th minute, Bruno Petkovic engraved his name in golden letters after scoring a tournament saving goal for Croatia, which not only made the score line equal but also took Croatia into Penalty kicks.
When the ball crossed the goal line, it looked like Petkovic’s shot was met by a deflection from Marquinhos, who also had a Penalty shot hit the woodwork, which eventually took Brazil away from the win. To be fair, Brazil dominated the game for most of the time in the game but it was Croatia who were just not ready to breakdown and leak goals.
Whenever, Brazil went for attacks, Croatia were able to stop them mid-way either by hook or by crook. The defense was extremely rigid and resilient as Gvardiol, Lovre, Sosa and Juranovic blocked Brazil’s moves and made it tough for them to find a way out. Croatia faced 21 shots and 11 of them were on target but just not enough to win the game.
Croatia's hero… again! ðŸ‡ðŸ‡·ðŸ§¤#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/w8QroYs2aJ
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Another stat that was tough to believe was Croatia dominated possession by 51% as compared to Brazil’s 49%. The Croats also made more passes with 694 and their passing accuracy was also of 88% in front of Brazil’s 89%. The best thing for Croatia was that they had 9 shots with 1 on target which was the equalizing goal.
Luka Modric was again the catalyst for Croatia’s equalizer as he picked the right pass to Mislav Orsic towards the right wing. Space towards the left side of the pitch was wide open and Croatia took advantage of it. Bruno Petkovic couldn’t have done anything wrong as he just guided the ball into the goal.
In the penalties, Croatia had overturned the curse of those winning the spot kicks who go second. Nikola Vlasic took the first shot and scored against Alisson. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo had the weight of equalizing for the Yellow’s but the 21-year-old’s shot was stopped by Livakovic.
Lovro Majer doubled Croatia’s lead and Casemiro made it 2-1 in the following kick and so did Luka Modric and Pedro to make it 3-2. However, Brazil Center-back Marquinhos failed to convert his kick as his shot went on to hit the left post. What followed was shock and despair for the South Americans lost their first encounter against 2018 finalists. Brazil also suffered elimination from the quarter-finals in the last 4 of their 5 participations.
The moment 📸 pic.twitter.com/fMQynfs2pN
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Also Read – FIFA World Cup 2022 : Who are the favorites to get past Quarter-Final?