Croatia dumped Brazil out of the World Cup with a victory on penalties after an entertaining 1-1 draw on Friday.
Neymar appeared to have received it late in additional time with an excellent solo aim earlier than Bruno Petkovic’s shock equaliser despatched the sport to penalties, the place Rodrygo’s effort was saved and Marquinhos hit the submit to seal Brazil’s destiny.
An extended-range sighter from Vinicius Junior kicked issues off however the first actual scare got here on the different finish as Mario Pasalic’s cross discovered Andrej Kramaric, who did not make the suitable contact in a superb space.
The European nation had been undoubtedly on prime inside the primary quarter-hour, however Vinicius supplied a reminder of his risk with a pleasant strike following some neat passing that pressured a sensible block from the in-demand Josko Gvardiol.
That was just about the extent of the final-third motion within the first 45, which was extra in regards to the midfield battle than the seek for objectives. It was extra entertaining than it sounds, promise.
Simply two minutes into the second half, Croatia followers had been sweating as Gvardiol’s determined try at an interception practically led to an personal aim, earlier than some hectic defending yielded possibilities for each Vinicius and Neymar. Among the many chaos got here a VAR verify for a possible handball from Josip Juranovic which was quickly dismissed.
A much-improved Brazil stored coming and Neymar discovered himself by on aim quickly after, however his effort was neatly saved by Dominik Livakovic.
The Croatia stopper was at it once more quickly after, speeding off his line to dam a strike from Lucas Paqueta, earlier than Livakovic was the hero once more to disclaim from Neymar.
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Each side threatened as we approached the tip of the 90, with Brazil doing extra within the closing third however failing to provide you with the solutions wanted to beat the Croatian defence, so as soon as once more, we headed to additional time.
Antony grew into essentially the most influential participant on the pitch after the interval as Brazil appeared to exert their dominance, however Marcelo Brozovic ought to have put Croatia forward as he skied a cut-back from Bruno Petkovic. Nonetheless no shot on track for Croatia.
Simply earlier than the interval, Neymar awakened and fired his aspect forward. Consecutive one-twos along with his teammates noticed him weave his means into the field, and after rounding Livakovic, he fired into the roof of the web. The type of aim solely a star participant may rating.
With Croatia now pressured to go for it, they discovered the unlikeliest of equalisers as Bruno Petkovic’s shot -their first on track all recreation – flicked up off Marquinhos’ leg and flew previous Alisson to ship the sport to penalties.
Nikola Vlasic scored first and Croatia took the lead as Livakovic saved from Rodrygo. The subsequent 5 penalties all went in till the decisive miss from Marquinhos, whose effort flew again off the submit and resigned Brazil to the following flight residence.
GK: Dominik Livakovic – 9/10 – The busier of the 2 goalkeepers however that is not saying a lot. Made some actually spectacular saves within the second half.
RB: Josip Juranovic – 8/10 – A monstrous first half adopted by a strong second. Nice power and drive down the suitable which brought on Brazil loads of issues, however he did not renege on his defensive duties both. Even out-paced Vinicius.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 7/10 – A extremely clever efficiency to mark Richarlison out of the sport. Used all his expertise to orchestrate Croatia’s defence.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – 7/10 – Comfortable to step forwards to assist overload the midfield much more. Gained loads of tackles.
LB: Borna Sosa – 5/10 – Not notably concerned at both finish however did the fundamentals of his job nicely. Did not give Raphinha a sniff however emphatically misplaced his battle in opposition to Antony.
DM: Marcelo Brozovic – 8/10 – The power in Croatia’s midfield, Brozovic pressed the life out of his opponents. Picked up a silly yellow card within the first half however did not let that gradual him down.
CM: Luka Modric – 8/10 – Took a short while to settle into the sport however ultimately flexed his high quality. Dropped deep to play quarterback at occasions and swallowed up any Brazilian makes an attempt to press.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 8/10 – Did lots of the ugly work as he hounded Brazil’s midfield to get better possession. Not a typical efficiency from him however a superb one nonetheless.
RW: Mario Pasalic – 6/10 – Barely performed with no consideration winger. Operated both as an auxiliary right-back or a central midfielder, wherever he was wanted to make up the numbers. Essential to the tactical setup though slightly underwhelming with the ball at his toes.
ST: Andrej Kramaric – 3/10 – Did his greatest to supply an outlet however simply could not become involved within the recreation.
LW: Ivan Perisic – 6/10 – A pleasant risk down the left, chopping inside for bold pictures on aim. Extra of a second left-back after Antony got here on.
Substitutes
Bruno Petkovic (72′ for Kramaric) – 5/10 – Equally as remoted as Kramaric. Had two constructive moments, one among which was essentially the most dramatic of equalisers.
Nikola Vlasic (72′ for Pasalic) – 5/10 – Not too concerned as Croatia had been doing extra defending by the point he arrived.
Lovro Majer (106′ for Kovacic) – 6/10 – Did not have a lot time to affect proceedings.
Ante Budimir (110′ for Sosa) – N/A
Mislav Orsic (114′ for Brozovic) – N/A
Supervisor
Zlatko Dalic – 8/10 – His system ensured Croatia dominated within the first half and contained Brazil after the break. Two extremely robust duties however each handed by Dalic.
GK: Alisson – 6/10 – Largely a spectator. Nothing he may do in regards to the equaliser.
RB: Eder Militao – 6/10 – Laborious to be too harsh as a result of he is not a right-back, however Militao appeared uncomfortable out huge. No attacking risk within the first half however did attempt to deal with that after the break, even taking part in like a winger at occasions.
CB: Marquinhos – 7/10 – A bit sloppy with the ball at his toes however typically strong. Croatia’s strikers could not become involved in any respect.
CB: Thiago Silva – 7/10 – Tended to be the person making the necessary block when Brazil wanted one. An actual chief.
LB: Danilo – 5/10 – One other sufferer of the system. Danilo performed as a midfielder in possession and so was fully out of place when Croatia recovered the ball. Fairly clearly not his fault.
DM: Lucas Paqueta – 4/10 – Did not play this deep and was way more superior, along with his poor place opening an acre of house for Croatia’s midfield to bop round in within the first half. Popped up with the help for Neymar’s strike.
DM: Casemiro – 6/10 – Uncovered by the system and was completely battered by Croatia’s inventive midfield within the first half. Began to flex some extra affect after the break.
RM: Raphinha – 3/10 – Hardly concerned. No assist from Militao however hardly ever appeared like threatening on his personal anyway.
AM: Neymar – 7/10 – Actually, actually quiet for nearly all the recreation however a second of absolute magic to place Brazil forward. A sensational aim. Weirdly did not take a penalty.
LM: Vinicius Junior – 4/10 – Lazy defensive work left his aspect uncovered within the first half. Deservedly hooked quickly after the interval.
ST: Richarlison – 5/10 – Discovered it arduous to become involved within the first half however dropped deep to assist out after the break. Just a few good link-ups with Neymar however nothing to put in writing residence about.
Substitutes
Antony (55′ for Raphinha) – 8/10 – Supplied an important spark and was concerned in practically the whole lot constructive from his aspect. Dragged Brazil on prime of proceedings.
Rodrygo (64′ for Vinicius) – 6/10 – Positively made a nuisance of himself after approaching.
Pedro (84′ for Richarlison) – 6/10 – A bodily presence however did not get an excessive amount of pleasure.
Alex Sandro (106′ for Militao) – 6/10 – Simply an additional physique in defence.
Fred (106′ for Paqueta) – 6/10 – Labored arduous in his quick outing.
Supervisor
Tite – 5/10 – Set his aspect up improper as Brazil had been battered by Croatia within the first half. Surprisingly did not modify tactically however recognised the important thing gamers who may make the distinction. Bringing Antony on was clever and leaving the ineffective Neymar on, understanding he wanted only a few seconds to alter the sport, was courageous.
Participant of the match – Dominik Livakovic
