Brazil batter Croatia’s goal in extra time but the Europeans needed just one shot, as Croatia equalize and eliminate Brazil from the World Cup.
Neymar did not even have the chance to take his penalty against Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. His teammates before him had missed too many and Croatia fans were in ecstasy at the Education City Stadium.
Brazil have not managed to evade the jinx that sees them lose to a European team in three World Cup quarter-finals. They are now the 13th team to score in a World Cup knockout stage match in extra time, but the first of those thirteen to be eliminated.
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Brazil dominated possession but did not appear to give much of a threat moving forward. Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic had to make a few routine saves, but that was pretty much it.
The second half started off with a much-inspired Brazil team. 5 minutes in and a potential penalty for a handball by Juranovic is ruled out for offside.
56 minutes played and Manchester United forward Antony comes on for FC Barcelona’s Raphinha, ten minutes later Rodrygo comes on for Vinicius Junior. Brazil need some more attacking to their gameplan and Head Coach Tite’s team could not find the back of the net.
Croatia Grit in Extra-time
Brazil played with plenty of flare and finally got their passing groove on. However, no goals to show their effort. Few chances between the two sides, deep into extra time.
Right before half-time in extra time, Neymar scores with a stunner and equals Brazil legend Pele’s record as all-time top scorer.
In the secod half of extra time Croatia brought on Majer for Kovacic. Brazil also made their change- Militao and Paqueta for Alex Sandro and Fred.
With just threee minutes left, Croatia found an equalizer against the run of play. Croatia break and Orsic finds Petkovic who scores.
Penalties!
Nikola Vlasic scores the first penalty before Rodrygos’s attempt is saved by Livakovic. Majer from Croatia scored, and so did Casemiro for Brazil and Modric for Croatia.
Orsic scores his final penalty before Marquinhos misses his penalty in an absolute shocker for Brazil. He hits the post and Brazil are out of the World Cup even before Neymar got his spotkick.
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