Tournament favourites Brazil lost to a spirited Croatia in the penalty shootout in the first quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Both teams had scored one each after the match went into extra time. The first goal of the match, scored by Neymar, came at 106th minute. Croatia's Bruno Petkovic soon scored an equaliser in the final moments to deny Brazil a win and took the match to penalties.
With 77 international goals, Neymar now equals legendary Pele's record of most goals scored by a footballer in Brazil men's national team.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved a penalty attempt by Rodrygo and Marquinhos later hit the post as Croatian players sprinted across the field to celebrate. There seemed to be a general sense of disbelif in the stadium as Brazil's dream of a sixth crown came to an end.
Croatia will next face either Argentina or the Netherlands.
Croatia, finalist in the last World Cup, did a commendable job in the first-half to nullify an attacking Brazil unit. Both Neymar and Vinicius had chances to put their teams ahead but failed to find the net.
The first-half ended with the scoreboard reading 0-0. Even in the second-half, neither team could break the deadlock, forcing the game into extra-time.
Tite's men had 11 shots on target to Croatia’s one in extra time, but that was all they needed to take this game to penalties.
Five of Croatia's last six matches at World Cups have gone to extra time, including its penalty shootout win over Japan in the round of 16 in Qatar, AP reported. The team has been successful in eight of its last 10 knockout matches at the tournament.
Brazil hasn't made it to the last four in a FIFA World Cup since hosting the tournament eight years ago, when the Selecao was embarrassed by Germany 7-1.
Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa (Budimir, 109′), Marcelo Brozovic (Orsic, 113′), Mateo Kovacic (Majer, 105'), Luka Modric, Pasalic (Vlasic, 72′), Mario Perisic, Andrej Kramaric (Petkovic, 72).
Brazil XI: Alisson, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta (Fred, 105′), Casemiro, Raphinha (Antony, 55′) Neymar, Vinicius Jr (Rodrygo, 63′), Richarlison (Pedro, 84′).