Lost 2-4 in Penalty Shootout... Bitter Defeat in Consecutive Quarterfinals
Croatia's Focus Shines Again in Overtime
Brazil, considered a strong favorite to win, failed to advance to the semifinals. On the 10th (Korean time) at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, the 2022 Qatar World Cup quarterfinal match against Croatia ended 1-1 after extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Brazil lost 2-4, resulting in elimination in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament. Brazil had previously lost 1-2 to Belgium in the 2018 Russia tournament.
Croatia, the runner-up at that time, advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive tournament. Their concentration shown during extra time shone once again. In the Russia tournament, Croatia played extra time in every match from the round of 16 to the semifinals, reaching the final. In this tournament as well, they defeated Japan in the round of 16 via penalty shootout. On this day, having also outlasted Brazil, they will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Argentina quarterfinal match in the semifinals on the 14th.
Brazil failed to show any of the performance they displayed in their 4-1 victory over Korea. They fielded the same starting lineup including Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Tottenham), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), but their flow was repeatedly interrupted by the opponent's strong high press. Even when they managed to connect plays, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovi? (Dinamo Zagreb) made crucial saves. Even star player Neymar stepping forward was to no avail. His right-footed free kick in the 42nd minute of the first half and left-footed shot in the 10th minute of the second half both went to waste.
Neymar regained his form only in extra time when the opposing defense was exhausted. In the 16th minute of the first half of extra time, he scored the opening goal. After exchanging passes twice with teammates and entering the penalty box, he struck the net with a right-footed shot. This was his seventy-seventh goal in international matches, putting him on par with the Brazilian national team's all-time top scorer, the 'Football Emperor' Pel? (77 goals).
Zlatko Dali?, the Croatian coach, brought in several forwards in the second half of extra time to intensify the chase. The substitute players responded with a goal. In the 12th minute of the second half of extra time, Bruno Petkovi? (Dinamo Zagreb), receiving a pass from Mislav Or?i?, scored the equalizer with a left-footed shot.
Having leveled the score, Croatia saw four of their penalty takers, including Luka Modri? (Real Madrid), successfully convert their shots in the shootout. On the other hand, Brazil's first kicker Rodrygo (Real Madrid) had his shot saved by Livakovi?. Even Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), who took the fourth kick, missed, bowing his head in disappointment.
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