Croatia eliminated Brazil from the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating them 4-3 on penalties.
The game didn’t live up to the expectations for large parts as a resilient Croatia side were able to hold Brazil to a goalless draw after 90 minutes at the Education City Stadium. But it lived up in extra-time with both sides on the scoresheet before the European side kept their cool in the penalty shootout.
The Samba Boys looked very flat in the first half and played into the hands of Croatia, who executed their game plan perfectly.
After a first 45 minutes rare on opportunities the game went dead logged into the break.
Brazil came back with new impetus after the break and created a few opportunities but Croatia’s number one Dominik Livakovic made several good saves to keep his side in the game.
The tie became more physical as the game went on, with Danilo and Marcelo Brozovic receiving yellow cards in the first stanza, while Casemiro and Marquinhos entered Michael Oliver’s book in the second half.
Neymar had a few half chances to decide the game but Livakovic remained between Brazil and the win.
The game headed into extra-time goalless and it looked like penalties were looming before a moment of brilliance by Neymar saw Brazil break the deadlock in the 105th minute.
It was his 77th goal in Brazil colours, equalling the tally of legendary striker Pele.
However, Croatia proved their never-die attitude with Bruno Petkovic finding the much-celebrated equaliser in the 117th minute, sending a deflected shot past Alisson.
The 2018 runners-up came out victorious in the penalty shootout after Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their penalties for Brazil, while Croatia netted all four.
