The World Cup favorites are now out of the tournament after Brazil lost to Croatia on penalties on Friday. Despite managing just one shot on goal in 120 minutes, the Europeans advanced to the semi-finals.
Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was undoubtedly the star of the show. The Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper made 10 saves throughout the match. Then he added one more crucially in the penalty shootout. While the first half of the game was extremely even and perhaps uneventful, Brazil turned up the heat early in the second period.
Livakovic is the hero again in Croatia’s victory on penalties against Brazil
Livakovic made one save after another in the second half, including some brilliant blocks with his feet. The Man of the Match performance was particularly impressive considering his opponents. Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius, Lucas Paquetá and Pedro regularly sprinkled Livakovic’s goal.
Brazil finished the 120-minute match with 20 total shots. They were unable to break the Croatian defense until Neymar scored a sensational goal in the 105th minute. It was the 77th senior score of the superstar’s career for his country. This ties the legendary Pelé for most goals for Brazil.
However, Bruno Petkovic leveled the score just 11 minutes later. It was Croatia’s first and only recorded shot on goal in the match. After finishing 1-1, the match was sent to penalties.
Europeans win another penalty shootout
Croatia managed to convert all four kicks in the penalty shootout. Brazil, for their part, saw two of their chances at the back of the net miss. Real Madrid star Rodrygo had a shot saved by Livakovic and Marquinhos hit the post to end the game.
The Europeans are clearly used to penalty shootouts. They advanced to this match with Brazil after beating Japan on penalties in the previous knockout round. Croatia now has in the history of the major tournament.
The defeat of Brazil comes hand in hand with the European competition once again. In fact, the South Americans have already lost their last six round of 16 clashes with the Europeans at the World Cup.
With the victory, Croatia advances to the semifinals for the second consecutive World Cup. They will face the winner of the Argentina-Holland match.
PHOTO: IMAGO/Xinhua
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