Luka Modric and his company pulled the plug on Brazil’s campaign at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup after dominating in the penalties in their quarterfinal clash at the Education City Stadium.
The clash between five-time champions and the 2018 edition finalists wasn’t expected to be one-sided, and that’s how the two sides kept at each other’s necks through and through regular time, dragging the match into extra time.
Things seemingly turned positive for Brazil when Neymar appeared as the saviour in the 106th minute. After receiving the pass from Lucas Paqueta, Neymar rocketed the ball past Dominik Livakovic, putting the Samba superstars into the lead, as well as equalling Pele’s record of 77 goals.
However, the excitement was only shortlived as Croatia found their way back into the contention just three minutes before the final whistle. Substitute Bruno Petkovic, who was already performing brilliantly up front, shot right at the Brazilian goal, as the ball deflected past Alisson to mark the equalizer.
Into the penalties, the Croats netted all four of their strikes, but it was their keeper Livakovic who became the hero of the night once again. The Dinamo Zagreb star kept Rodrygo’s strike out, while Marquinhos found the post, ending the penalties with a 4-2 scoreline for Croatia, as they sail into the semis.
Final Score: Croatia 1 – 1 Brazil (4-2)
Goals:
BRA — Neymar — 105th min+1
CRO — Bruno Petkovic — 117th min
