Croatia continue their run of World Cup penalty shootout wins. In the first rematch of the Qatar World Cup that ended in the early hours of Saturday (December 10), Philippine time, Croatia vs Brazil ended 1-1 in overtime and entered a penalty shootout. Croatia won the penalty shootout 4-2 and achieved the second consecutive championship. World Cup semi-finals.
Brazil, which has a luxurious lineup, has been working hard to attack in 90 minutes of regular game time, but failed to pry open the goal of Croatia. Adding time in the first half of extra time, Brazilian star Neymar had his star moment. He started to dribble the ball from the middle, hit the wall with his teammates twice in a row, pierced through Croatia’s two defensive lines and entered the penalty area. Neymar calmly swayed past Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic and scored from a small angle from close range.
This is Neymar’s 77th goal in the Brazilian team. He tied the Brazilian team’s history scoring record held by the king Pele.
Brazil scored goals thanks to Neymar’s talent and skill, but could not overcome a tenacious Croatian team. Just as Brazil were about to celebrate their victory, Croatia did not give up the game and equalized in the 117th minute with a goal from substitute striker Petkovic. The two teams can only decide on penalties.
CROATIA VS BRAZIL PENALTY SHOOTOUT.
Both teams are good players in penalty shootouts. Brazil has won three of four penalty shootouts in the previous World Cup, but Croatia’s figure is three victories. And in the previous round of 16, Croatia had just defeated Japan in a penalty shootout to advance.
Goalkeeper Livakovic, who excelled in the penalty shoot-out against Japan, struck again as he saved a penalty from Brazilian winger Rodrygo. The players from Croatia shot penalty kicks without missing a beat.
Brazil defender Marquinhos took the fourth penalty kick and hit the post with a shot. Croatia won 4-2 on penalties and advanced to the semi-finals, while Brazil’s journey in this World Cup can only stop there.
Croatia will face the winner of the Netherlands-Argentina semi-final. The semi-final kicks off at 3 am on Saturday (December 10).
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