Dominik Livakovic was the hero keeping Croatia in the match and saving Rodrygo’s effort on penalties
Brazil and Croatia deadlocked after 120 minutes of regular and additional time. Neymar gave Brazil the lead in the first half of additional time and Bruno Petkovic equalized with his deflected goal in the 117th minute. Croatia managed to keep Brazil at bay for most of the match soaking up the pressure with Livakovic coming up with some superb saves. Tite’s starting front line of Vinicius, Jr, Richarlison, and Raphinha proved ineffective and were subbed off during regulation time.
Croatia got off to a flying start in the penalties with Nikola Vlasic blasting the ball dead center. Brazil on the other hand was denied when Dominik Livakovic who was superb between the sticks, saved Rodrygo’s effort, comfortably low and to the left. Brazil were already behind and with Croatia holding their nerve and scoring through Lovro Meijer, Luka Modric, and Mislav Orisic, had a mountain to climb. Casemiro and Pedro kept it interesting but Marquinhos low driven shot came off the left upright.
Brazil’s body language even before the penalty taking was bad. Neymar was seen shaking his head, looking displeased. They clearly did not relish the prospect. Allison had not been tested seriously all through the match.
Croatia, though are through! Who had given them a chance to progress this far. They were too old, did not have Mario Mandzukic, lacked goals. Luka Modric what a class act. They now await the winners of the Argentina vs Netherlands match.
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