Brazil have faced criticism for their dancing; Croatia are looking to make them dance to a different tune as the World Cup reaches its quarter-final stage.
On Monday, Brazil brought out their best form, demolishing South Korea in the first half of their 2022 Qatar World Cup Round of 16. Brazil won 4-1 and cruised into the quarter-final this Friday, beaming with confidence.
Ranked number 1, by FIFA, Brazil are firm favorites to go all the way to the final, adding a sixth star for being the most successful team in World Cup history. Brazil’s win would see them qualify for the semi-finals for the ninth time.
Brazil got a major squad boost after Neymar successfully recovered from an injury suffered in the group stage. Neymar started in the 4-1 win over South Korea and scored a penalty.
Top scorer, Richarlison, will be on the chase for the ‘Golden boot’. The in-form striker has three goals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Brazil, however, have been knocked out of the World Cup in three out of four quarter-finals they have featured in. The most recent- a loss to Belgium in 2018.
Brazil Head coach Tite faced criticism from ITV pundit, Roy Keane, who said, “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time. I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it. I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
Brazil Head Coach Tite responded by saying, “I have to be careful because there are always the nasty ones who say it is disrespect. It is a demonstration of joy, a celebration.”
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Croatia always prove a point at the World Cup and will be looking to make a statement at this World Cup. They have only conceded two goals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Led by captain Luka Modric, Croatia have proved to be a hard nut to crack, playing out three rounds of extra time on their way to the 2018 World Cup final. In 2022, they eliminated Japan in the Round of 16 through penalties.
Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic are expected to maintain their place in midfield. Croatia Head Coach Zlatko Dalic has however pointed out that the current Croatia squad is very different from the squad in 2018, “This is a new national team. We have 18 new players who were not here four years ago. In 2018 we had a national team that had been playing together for 10 years. They were playing in the best leagues and for the best clubs.
“We need time to mature but I believe that for us to be here at this World Cup among the best eight teams in the world is tremendous.”
Possible Lineups
Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Brazil: Alisson; Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison
Predicted scores
Brazil are back in form and have been boosted by Neymar’s return. However, Croatia will take advantage of any complacency.
Croatia (1)-(2) Brazil
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