Croatia surprises with victory over Brazil

Croatia

Croatia are through to the semi-finals of Qatar 2022 after defeating Brazil on penalties after regular time ended 0-0 and extra time 1-1.

The Brazilians, who were seen as favorites before this match, had the initiative, but the Croatians proved to be strong and managed to neutralize their attacks.

Ivan Perisic had the first chance of the match in the 13th minute, but missed the target.

In the 20th minute, Brazil tried with Vinicius Junior, but his shot was blocked by the defense.

Brazil had one percent more possession of the ball, while there were also three shots in the box, against Croatia’s none.

The Selecao started the match better, risking from the start with Eder Militao in the 47th minute, but Dominik Livakovic was on the spot.

In the 55th minute, Neymar shot from close range, but Livakovic was on the spot,

Another good chance in the 66th minute, when Lucas Paqueta comes out alone with Livakovic, but the latter makes a nice save.

Neymar again took a risk in the 76th minute, while Paqueta followed him in the 80th minute, but again he could not find the net.

The match went to overtime, twice of 15 minutes, after the teams did not find the net in 90 minutes.

The match went to extra time and Neymar came to the fore with his skills in the 105th minute.

After some beautiful combinations, Paqueta passed to Neymar who received the ball in the area and with a beautiful movement past the goalkeeper to score for 1-0.

Big celebration by the Brazilians for the goal that came after several good chances, especially in regular time.

Croats knowing that they have nothing to lose makes some substitutions, strengthening the attack.

It was the 117th minute when Mislav Orsic, brought into the game, received a ball from the left, followed into the area where Bruno Petkovic shot with the first and the ball was deflected by the defense to end up in Alisson’s net for 1-1.

The winner was determined by penalty kicks, where the Croatians were more accurate and won in the end.