Find a way to secure the entrance World Cup 2022 semi-finalist, five-time world champion Brazil undertake, shoulder Croatia at Education City Stadium on Friday night (December 9). excited by Dominik LivakovicAfter his stellar performance (11 saves), the Europeans ended Canarinho’s dream, beating them 4-2 on penalties after the game ended in a tie. 1-1 at the end of extra time.
It’s been a rough start at Al Rayyan, with neither team proving themselves in the opening exchanges. Five minutes into the game, vinixius Junior found himself with a bit of space on the left flank. He couldn’t find a teammate on his initial pass, but the ball found him. The winger then tried his luck with a cut from the edge of the box but Dominik Livakovic caught it easily.
In the 13th minute, Croatia organized a quick counterattack. Josip Juranovic dived down the right wing before passing to Mario Pasalic. The winger makes a teasing cross into the area, but Ivan Perisic misplaced his shot from the middle of the box.
Eight minutes later, Vinicius Junior broke through from the left, played a one or two with Richarlison and tried to get the ball into the bottom right corner. Dejan Lovren made a brilliant save that kept the winger from checking the keeper.
Two minutes into the second half, Eder Militao made a low cross from the right. Josko Gvardiol tried to clear the ball at close range but instead directed it towards his own goal. Livakovic came on with an important save to stop the ball from going into the net.
In the 66th minute, Lucas Paqueta received the ball loosely in the Croatian penalty area and then volleyed close to the wall. Livakovic hastily rejected him. Nine minutes later, Neymar Rain on the Croatia goal from the left. Livakovic again dashed out to save his shot.
Both teams tried to advance before the allotted time but failed. After 90 minutes of goalless draw, the match entered extra time.
The deadlock was finally broken by Brazilian superstar Neymar in the first minute of extra time. Neymar received a return pass from Paqueta, crept into the box and unleashed a delicate finish to beat Livakovic in form.
Just when it looked like Croatia had nothing left to offer, they showed up with a moment of magic. Mislav Orsic went down inside the left channel and found Bruno Petkovic with a low cross inside the area. Petkovic put his foot over the ball and put it in the net thanks to a lucky save from Marquinhos.
With a score of 1-1 at the end of extra time, the first quarter-final at the 2022 FIFA World Cup entered a penalty shootout. Rodrygo watched as his penalty was saved by Livakovic while Marquinhos hit the post in the penalty shootout. Croatia successfully completed all 4 penalties to win the penalty shootout 4-2.
Here are 3 Brazilian players who disappointed and 2 who shone as Selecao was eliminated from the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday:
Worse: Raphinha
Barcelona right winger Raphinha spent an unpleasant evening at the Education City Stadium. Croatia followed him closely, making sure he didn’t have much space to run into. They also made him unable to bond with his teammates, stifling his creativity.
Image: Raphinha after the match against Croatia. https://t.co/NcgTv3pzPU
The former Leeds United winger failed to take a shot nor create any chances to score. He also passed in the wrong position, made only 17 passes (81% accuracy) and lost the ball 9 times. Seeing his unlucky condition, Tite replaced him with Manchester United’s Antony in the 56th minute.
Performed by: Richarlison
Brazilian striker Richarlison failed to have a shot on target in the match against Croatia. However, he still managed to make a positive impact on the game. He has excellent possession of the ball, creates many chances and plays quite well in duels.
Richarlison you’ve got a great tournament 2026 will be yours
Against the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists, Richarlison made 4 key passes, created 2 great chances, won 3 duels and fouled. He also assists in defense, tries to tackle and makes a save.
Worse: Vinicius Junior
Scoring his first FIFA World Cup goal in a 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16, Vinicius Junior entered the match in good spirits. The Real Madrid man showed confidence in the first exchanges, with a delicate finish from the left. Unfortunately, he was not able to continue to play well as Croatia tightened the circle around him. He loses control quite a few times, serves out of position and never seems to want to break the deadlock.
Before being substituted for Rodrygo in the 66th minute, Vinicius Junior lost the ball 8 times, misplaced all 3 crosses and made only 8 successful passes (80% accuracy).
Performed by: Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar scored the historic goal to win over Croatia. Receiving the ball in the middle of the field, Neymar passed it to Paqueta who was in a high position. Continuing to run, Neymar received Paqueta’s return, crossing the space between the left-back and the center-back to net Livakovic.
With this goal, Neymar became the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, equaling Pele’s record of 77 goals. Neymar also made a key pass, made three precise crosses, completed three dribbles, committed four fouls and made an intercept.
Worse: Rodrygo
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo came on for Vinicius Junior after 66 minutes. The striker made some encouraging runs and made some key passes, but made a mistake when he missed the ball. Brazil’s opening penalty kick. The 21-year-old’s penalty lacked force and position, making it easy for Livakovic to cross to the left and save.
Luka Modrić came to comfort Rodrygo after he missed the penalty https://t.co/Zve3D9rg45
In the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Rodrygo wronged all 4 of his crosses, lost 7 of 11 duels, lost possession 10 times and fouled 3 times. He also failed to take a shot, failed to make both of his dribbles and was dribbled past once.
