Croatia's players celebrate after the penalty shootout at the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Croatia and Brazil, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)Brazil vs Croatia Live, World Cup 2022 Quarter Final: Croatia defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Friday. Croatia were resilient in the 90 minutes, keeping Brazil out of their goal until a moment of magic from Neymar put them ahead. In the dying moments of extra time, a defected strike from Bruno Petkovic took the game to penalties.
Each of Croatia’s four penalty takers – Nikola Vlasic, Mislav Orsic, Lovro Majer, and Luka Modric – found the net but the same couldn’t be said for Brazil. Rodrygo’s opening penalty was saved by Dominik Livakovic, who had an standout performance through the game, and Marquinhos hit the post to knock out the Brazil team that were largely considered pre-tournament favourites.
Lineups:
Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Militao, T. Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar; Raphinha, Vinicius, Richarlison.
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Perisic, Kramaric.
Ageing Croats can't afford to let Neymar & Co have a free run. (AP)
What a game. What a result. Tournament football is brutal, and Brazil have encountered that fact with all its might.
Croatia deserve massive credit for their game plan, playing right out of the hands of the individually talented Brazilians, using the technical ability of their midfielders to keep a lot of slow possession, not allowing Brazil time and enough of the ball to create enough chances. So proficient was their ability to move the ball in midfield that Brazil were, at times, frightened of pressing them too intensely, in case space opens up in behind them.
Dominik Livakovic was show-stopping in goal, Josko Gvardiol was impressively composed and solid in defence, and Luka Modric was terrific in midfield.
Croatia's strategy was effective, but not enough to keep out a moment of genius from Neymar. Ultimately, Brazil conceded a soft goal, and failed to manage the game in the dying moments. Croatia's fighting spirit went on a bit longer, and they stole the win at the end.
Another incredible World Cup result in a tournament full of them.
(MATCH REPORT)
Brazil are left stunned. What a performance from Croatia. Resilient through and through.
Still catching our breath here.
Steps up and hits the post. Jubilation for Croatia. Heartbreak for Brazil. Unbelievable scenes.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-4 CRO
Emphatic into the bottom corner. Side netting.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-4 CRO
Hops and sends Livakovic the wrong way.
PENALTIES: BRA 2-3 CRO
Never in doubt.
PENALTIES: BRA 1-3 CRO
Emphatic penalty, scoring despite Livakovic guessing right.
PENALTIES: BRA 1-2 CRO
Right down the middle again.
PENALTIES: BRA 0-2 CRO
Livakovic has more heroics left in him. Guesses right and stops it
PENALTIES: BRA 0-1 CRO
Smashes it down the middle.
PENALTIES: BRA 0-1 CRO
Croatia going first.
Time and again this edition of the World Cup has punished teams for not keeping their midfield line close to their defensive line. It has meant that cutbacks become the best currency for teams to open up their opposition and score goals. We've seen the Dutch do it against USA, and now Croatia make their comeback into this game through that tried and tested route.
Croatia's goal came in the 117th minute of this match. It came from a quick break that was borne out of Brazil's midfield going on a needless adventure out of their half. The result, a four vs four situation in their final third, a cutback from Orsic and a left-footed drive from Petkovic that touches Marquinhos but breaches Allison's net.
Dominik Livakovic has been in the thick of the action today. When he was Croatia’s hero after saving the penalties against Japan, he called up his mother.
"He only called me 'mom' and started crying and laughing,” his mother told Sata 24.
It’s been some journey. During qualification for the world cup, before a game against Russia, Luka Modric pulled him aside for some frank chat.
“I wouldn't be telling you that if I didn't care, I love you boy, that's why I'm telling you. But I don't see your progress in the national team! Maybe the pressure bothers you? What does it matter if you make a mistake, because everyone makes mistakes, why shouldn't you? But my feeling is that you are afraid to make a mistake - Luka told him before the aforementioned match,” Livakovic would later tell Sata 24.
“I wouldn't have come here if I was afraid of making a mistake,” Livi says he told Modric. “You're a goalkeeper, do you know that?” Modric would hug him.
“Luka is a real captain. Everyone has ups and downs in their career, it was a bit difficult for me at that moment, but when you talk like that with the captain, when he gives you support, then it's certainly easier,” Livakovic said.
Fast forward to the game against Japan, to the moment just after the shootouts. Modric would clasp Livakovic and kiss him on the forehead.
Livakovic will be relied on for more heroics ahead of the penalties.
Antony went down on the right wing and win a free kick. Neymar took a brilliant free kick and the follow up is dealt with from some more heroics by Livakovic. 11 saves from him.
And that's that. We're going to penalties.
BRA 1-1 CRO
This is drama you simply cannot script.
Orsic latches onto the ball in space down the left wing and cuts it back for Petkovic, whose shot catches a huge deflection off Marquinhos goes past Alisson in goal.
The momentum, ahead of penalties, has swung Croatia's way.
BRA 1-1 CRO
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES!
WHAT A GOAL! WHAT A MOMENT FOR CROATIA AND PETKOVIC!
BRA 1-1 CRO
With the ball in the corner flag, Brazil keep some valuable possession in opposition territory and then win a foul.
Running the clock down.
BRA 1-0 CRO
Croatia's defence is breached. And who else but Neymar, who had been viewing Pele's goalscoring record and has just drawn level to it with 77 international strikes.
A series of one-two passes is the story of that goal – the last of which Neymar pulls off with Paqueta, who sets his teammate up with the ball in the box. At this point, Neymar, who gets fouled more than most players, is barged into by a Croatian defender. But he stays up, stays on, rounds Livakovic's heroic watch, and then rifles the ball into the net.
Croatia had been holding steadfast onto the belief that they could stop Brazil from scoring. But they simply couldn't account for one of its greatest-ever goalscorer.
BRA 1-0 CRO
Excellent ball in from Perisic down the right, and Petkovic tries to get at the end of it with a high leap but can't meet it.
Moments later, both him and Modric - their best players with the ball at their feet - combine to get a corner.
BRA 1-0 CRO
They'll need a similar moment of inspiration to get back into the game. The greatest test of what they are made of now, after a brilliantly resilient performance.
BRA 1-0 CRO
Tight tournament football games need moments of brilliance, and that was simply a display of increidble individual ability from Neymar.
Dropped deep to get the ball, played a give-and-go with Rodrygo, then played one with Paqueta, maintained his balance in a small pocket of space to touch it past Livakovic, and had the presence of mind to shoot into the roof of the net as Sosa tries to clear off the line.
Sends the crowd into a frenzy!
BRA 1-0 CRO
It's Neymar!
What a moment of magic from the forward. Goal No. 77, equalling Pele's all-time record for Brazil.
BRA 1-0 CRO
What a chance!
Brilliant play from Petkovic, receiving the ball in isolation but uses footwork to get past both Militao and Silva, tees up Brozovic who skies the shot. That was the moment for Croatia. May not get another one.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Croatia holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw means that the 2022 Qatar World Cup has broken a record. Previously, four World Cups (1982, 2006, 2010, 2014) had the unique distinction of having the joint most 0-0 games. But the 2022 Qatar World Cup has seen eight of these results, three of which have come with Croatia at the helm.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Dalic's side absorb a lot of pressure following Antony's moment of brilliance, beating Sosa down the right and putting the ball into a dangerous area. Brazil follow up with a few crosses that are eventually cleared.
Croatia do not look like a threat on the counterattack any more, having had plenty of time under their legs with the last match going to penalties too. Changes may be coming.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Rash challneg on Brozovic. A silly one, taking the midfielder down cynically and then having a second kick at him. Very lucky to escape a booking.
Brazil's talisman needs to keep his head.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Neymar's corner is met by Pedro from distance, but he scuffs his header. A set piece could change this game.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Five out of Croatia's last six knockout matches at the World Cups have gone into extra time. The final in 2018 is the only exception. Croatia won the other games - Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals in 2018, and the Round of 16 match in the ongoing edition.
They also dragged Spain into extra time of the Euro 2020 last 16 match. However, on that occasion they lost.
Another crucial 30 minutes beckons for Zlatko Dalic's side.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Feels like it is no coincidence that this is now Croatia's eighth World Cup knockout game to go to extra time out of their last nine, the only exception being the 2018 final.
Brazil may have had the lion's share of the chances, but by slowing the tempo of the game down, and keeping possession for extended periods, they kept Brazil's talented forward players away from their area. They now get 30 minutes to show if they have what it takes to go the distance, or steal a winner.
For Brazil, even if Livakovic was called upon to make a succession of saves, a serious lack of quality in the final third has put them in a tricky position now. Their mental and physical ability is put the test now, not just the technical.
Extra time awaits.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Croatia need a bit of last-ditch defending to cope with what Brazil are throwing at them now, committing bodies forward and overloading the wings now.
Rodrygo's corner - perhaps one of the last few chances - is cleared well by Perisic.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Juranovic's long throw took Croatia up the pitch, and their solid forward press draws an error from Alisson.
But once they lose the ball, Brazil immediately knock on the door by committing men forward and fashioning a couple of shots. Final third quality seriously lacking for the Selecao.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero for his country when he stopped three Japanese penalties to take them into the quarters. Now against the Brazilians, he stands even taller. Livakovic has had to deal with a second-half Brazil performance where they have had a set of high-quality looks at goal. But the Croatian custodian has been quick of his line and sure of his reflexes to make a string of saves and keep his team in this with ten minutes left.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Brazil are taking Croatia on now, and pinning them back.
This time it's Antony, beating his man down the right and finding Casemiro in space, whose cutback is met by Paqueta who shoots straight at Livakovic.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Brazil's players clearly have the ability to open up spaces and create, especially when Neymar comes in between the lines.
But as they commit more and more players forward, they will end up leaving spaces in behind. And the way Croatia are cleverly managing the pressure, they may well get hurt on the counter.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Another important save from Livakovic, equal to Neymar's shot who only found space from a very tight angle.
Modric breaks away after the subsequent corner, and cleverly draws another foul, and Brazil's third yellow card.
BRA 0-0 CRO
For Croatia's technically sound players, the best form of defence is holding the ball. 'Rest possession'.
By stitching passes together, patiently drawing challenges from Brazil, and not playing high tempo or committing lots of numbers to concede space in their own area, they are simply refusing to play into Brazil's hands.
Barring a few surges, saved well by Livakovic, Brazil have found it hard to create. As they get desperate, space will open up for Croatia too. One crucial mistake could decide this.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Another smart play to halter Brazil's momentum.
After breaking away, Kramaric found himself isolated in the half, dribbling well to bring the ball back into midfield and draw a foul to break the momentum. Brazil are plugging away, but Croatia seem adept at absorbing this pressure.
BRA 0-0 CRO
He's done it again!
Paqueta finds space in the box, and gets a lucky break as the ball pops to him with a sight on goal. He snaps at it on the half volley, and Livakovic stands equal to it and saves.
BRA 0-0 CRO
No matter what the result, Dalic's side would be proud of a very good display in the opening hour.
In the last five minutes, their composure on the ball, moving the ball through the lines and drawing a Brazilian challenge to open space, has had the opposition trailing, despite Brazil nearly getting the opener. They have, in fact, completed more passes than Brazil today.
The Selecao will continue to create, but Croatia are more than holding their own.
BRA 0-0 CRO
The experience in that midfield has been on display, making all the right decisions.
After seeing a frantic 10 minutes and Brazil threaten their goal, they take the sting out of the game by holding a period of slow possession. Even when they lost the ball and Richarlison broke on the transition, Lovren is positioned smartly to break the play up.
The game is opening up now. Far less cagey than the first half.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Livakovic has been brilliant so far.
Neymar sees his shot saved after getting in space down the inside right channel. He was found by Richarlison, who got the better of Gvardiol for the first time today with a sharp half turn.
Brazil knocking on the door now as they put on Antony for Raphinha to create from width.
BRA 0-0 CRO
More space for Brazil in midfield in the second half so far. This time it's Neymar who receives the ball at the halfway line and drives into the box, drawing in three players and going down to a challenge. He stayed down for a while, but gets up eventually. Brazil not looking worried about him.
Down the other end, Croatia stitch a good lay together, finding Perisic in space down the right before his promising cross just misses Kramaric's run.
End to end.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Croatia are living dangerously. Brazil have two clear chances to score and fluff both of them. The best of both is to Vinicius Jr who could have placed his shot better at such close range to the goal. The play also had an accidental handball that went to VAR but was deemed not worthy of a penalty.
BRA 0-0 CRO
What a couple of saves!
Brazil have seemed to emphasise width out of the break. First, it's Militao overlapping down the right and playing in a cross, flicked in by Richarlison and saved by Livakovic and cleared by Gvardiol.
Moments later, Vinicius drives into the right, plays in Neymar whose shot is blocked by Gvardiol, and follow up is saved by Livakovic.
Centre back and goalkeeper coming to the resuce for Croatia.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Without a doubt, the 2018 finalists would be the happier team at the break. Much of the game has been played at their pace, as they have been able to balance sitting back and absorbing pressure, competing in midfield, and threatening going forward.
Brazil are the side that will look to respond.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Not much separating the two teams in the first half.
Possession stats have been similar, although Croatia have had a more meaningful share of it, and neither team have created a nailed-on chance to score. It has been an intriguing, equal contest, with matchups all over the pitch. Bit Croatia's game plan, of letting Brazil play sideways passes, and competing centrally through their midfield has been brilliant.
Can see this game turning on its head with a moment of individual brilliance, either from Brazil's attacking talent, or a player like Luka Modric finding a breakthrough from nowhere.
BRA 0-0 CRO
A long ball over the top sees Kramaric get in behind the defence but it is swept up by the veteran centre-half. He was called into action again as Perisic broke free down the left, but he is equal to it again.
BRA 0-0 CRO
40 minutes have gone and the foul counter continues to rise. Eight fouls from Croatia and Brazil respond with five of their own. Danilo's high boot has already earned him a yellow card and the ire of the Croatians. On the other end, Richarlison and Gvardiol had a coming together of sorts that invoked a quick counselling session from the referee. This game has all the hallmarks of being decided by a moment of anger.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Dalic's side is tailored well to their strengths in midfield. And they have asserted their dominance in the middle of the park, able to stich good passes to break the lines, win the ball with solid tackles, and keeping slow possession to keep the ball out of Brazil's talented players' feet.
The Selecao have often gone for long balls in defence, or had their forwards come deep, to create anything. Very effective game plan from Croatia.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Another wonderful burst of pace from Juranovic down the right, eventually playing a brilliant diagonal into Ivan Perisic, who cut into his stronger right foot and skied a long-ranger. Needed a more composed finish.
Moments later, Neymar comes deep to receive the ball, gets past Brozovic with a nutmeg, and is brought down cynically earning the Croatian a yellow card. Another glimpse of skill from Brazil's star man.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Croatia look to win the ball in their area and break on the transition with some clever passes, but Brazil's press does not allow it to happen, winning possesion back. Moments later, Kovacic brilliantly wins the ball off Neymar in midfield and attempts another breakaway, but Brazil nip that in the bud too.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Wonderful piece of play from Kovacic, beating his man on the half turn in midfield and playing a long ball into the path of Juranovic on the right wing. The Croatian is brought down by Danilo, drawing the first yellow card of the game.
Modric flights a good ball from the corresponding free kick, which needed a crucial intervention from a Brazilian defender.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Close one-touch passes in the box to break down an overcrowded Croatian box - Brazil are creeping into this game. Vinicius Jr passes to Richarlison, who supplies the Real Madrid winger back. But he's unable to get a good shot off. Moments later, Neymar tries to curl a shot in but it neither has pace nor accuracy to it and falls straight into the Croatian keeper's hands.
Brilliant football.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Not the best of starts from Brazil. There are bright sparks going forward, but they have been tetchy while playing the ball out of their own area, and if Croatia press higher, they may sniff an opportunity and latch onto an error.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Wonderful play from the veteran!
He jumped on Casemiro's slow and laboured move in midfield, winning the ball high up the pitch, patiently moving the ball into a dangerous area before playing in a threatening cross cleared by Militao.
Croatia need more of a box presence for chances like that, but it's another sign that there is no room for complacency.
BRA 0-0 CRO
Ten minutes in and an immediate change that we can see from Brazil's match against South Korea is how little space their forwards have to take on Croatia's defenders. The Europeans are wide when without the ball and contract their shape when any of Brazil's forwards run at them with the ball.
BRA 0-0 CRO
It's the first credible chance of the game!
Juranovic makes a brilliant run from right back, carrying the ball into the final third and playing in Pasalic, whose cross was just missed by Perisic. Early warning sign for the Selecao.
BRA 0-0 CRO
It's a pragmatic approach, but nobody can blame Dalic for that, given the plethora of attacking talent they have gone up against. Croatia have, in essence, stuck to their strengths, by combating for the ball in midfield.
BRA 0-0 CRO