Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Croatia on Friday. Tite’s team were frustrated for much of the game by a dominant performance from Croatia’s midfield trio of Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic, and Luka Modric, as well as some inspired play from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, in a cagey affair that was sent to extra time when the deadlock could not be broken in regulation time.
Neymar Jr, who had been quiet until then, thought he had scored an extra-time winner when he skipped past Livakovic and powerfully fired into the roof of the net, but Croatia equalised with just four minutes to play when Bruno Petkovic deflected a strike from the edge of the box.
Brazil struggled in the shootout, with Rodrygo missing their first penalty and Marquinhos missing their fourth, while Croatia converted all of theirs for a memorable victory.
Croatia, who have now won two straight knockout games on penalties, will face Argentina in the semi-finals on Tuesday. La Albiceleste themselves register a 4-3 win on penalties against the Netherlands after registering a 2-2 draw at the end of extra time.
Croatia initially refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponent, successfully stifling most Brazilian moves in the first half. Brazil had little else to offer in terms of attack, aside from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hardworking backline.
Croatia’s passing game appeared sharper and more skilled, and by the end of the first half, they had the upper hand in terms of possession.
A Neymar free-kick just before halftime did not trouble Livakovic as Brazil struggled to find space after their last win over a European opponent in the World Cup knockout phase came in their 2002 final victory over Germany.
They did, however, come within three minutes of taking the lead when Josko Gvardiol attempted to clear the ball but almost turned it into his own goal. Following a VAR review, claims for a handball by Josip Juranovic were dismissed before Neymar was sent through by Richarlison in the 55th minute, only to have his close-range effort blocked by Livakovic.
Brazil had a much better second half start and came close again in the 66th minute when Lucas Paqueta was denied by Livakovic. The Croatian goalkeeper was kept busy, stopping Neymar in the 76th minute. Five minutes later, he saved another Paqueta shot as the few hundred Brazilian fans behind the goal grew louder and more impatient.
Tite appeared visibly nervous as the game progressed into extra time, but Neymar’s strike had them dreaming of the semi-finals. Croatia, however, refused to give up, and Petkovic’s equaliser forced penalties, which they won, with Livakovic saving Rodrygo’s spot-kick and Marquinhos hitting the post.
