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The Selecao will take on Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia in the first quarterfinal fixture of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Bolstered by the return of PSG superstar Neymar, Brazil will be looking to continue their dominant performance in the World Cup thus far, whereas Croatia will be relying on their midfield prowess and experience, with players like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic leading the charge.
The quarterfinal clash between Brazil and Croatia promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to advance to the semifinals and continue their pursuit of the World Cup trophy. Dalic’s men be looking to advance to achieve what could have been a famous victory back in 2018, while Brazil will be after a sixth World Cup to end the European dominance that has taken over the World Cup in the last 20 years.
Key players
If Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr starts against Croatia on Friday, he will undoubtedly be one of the game’s most entertaining players. His lightning speed, along with his exceptional technique, renders the Brazilian a nightmare for any defender. The player has also been in terrific form at the moment now, coming off what was undoubtedly a breakthrough season in Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning season of 2021/22. Vinicius was superb, tantalising defences and forging a formidable combo with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. Last season, the 22-year-old winger scored 17 goals and assisted on 10 others in La Liga. He also scored four goals in the Champions League, including the deciding goal in the final, as Real Madrid won the competition.
After a relatively disappointing stint at PSG, Neymar Jr arrives with the largest question mark hanging over his legacy. The attacker, who is without a doubt one of the most outstanding players in this generation both in terms of technique and performance, has yet to have a great success story in a major event for his country. However, he appeared to be more than ready for the World Cup, as he entered the tournament in scintillating form, having scored 24 goals in just 19 club games this season.
After playing his side’s first group-stage game against Serbia, Neymar picked up an ankle injury that ruled him out of the next two games. The former Barcelona winger was able to make a comeback against South Korea in the round of 16, where he put up a brilliant man-of-the-match performance as Brazil thumped the Koreans 4-1. Neymar will have a big part to play if Brazil are to make it through to the semifinals.
Luka Modric has been in sublime form for both club and country, as his side progressed through to the knockout stages of yet another World Cup. The ageless Real Madrid midfielder has shown no signs of slowing down despite turning 37 in September.
The maestro’s vision, passing, and overall game is still at the very top and could be a dangerous weapon against a Brazilian defence that is not the most watertight. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner could be the one to tip the scales in his side’s favour if Croatia are to progress to the semifinals.
The versatile Ivan Perisic, like Modric, has only gotten better over the last few years since Croatia’s fantastic journey to the final of the World Cup in 2018. Perisic was an integral part of the Inter Milan side under Antonio Conte, and has moved to Tottenham Hotspur after the Italian coach replaced Jose Mourinho.
Extremely capable in terms of both attack and defence, Perisic is a huge threat on the left and could end up giving his side the edge if he is able to hold off the likes of Danilo and Vinicius. Coming off a thumping header in the game against Japan, Perisic’s form will be huge for Dalic if his side are to make it further in the competition.
Prediction
While the Brazilian side seems too good to lose, the Croatians have proved that they are no pushovers. With an extraordinary trio in midfield, consisting of Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic, Croatia are surely capable of pulling off a victory against the South American giants.
That being said, Tite’s men have been fabulous so far in the competition, especially in attack. Therefore, although Brazil do start favourites, a Croatia victory should not overly surprise too many.
