FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil vs Croatia- 5-Time winners Brazil left empty handed, Croatia move to semi-finals after winning back-to-back penalty shoot outs

FIFA World Cup 2022 (Image source: Twitter)

2018 World Cup finalists Croatia went against 5-time champions Brazil in the first quarterfinals. The game was billed as one of the greatest and it did not disappoint.

Croatia vs Brazil (0-1)

Croatia came into the match after winnings against Belgium and looked worthy of a quarterfinals spot. Led by veteran Luka Modric, the Croatian team hoped for a World Cup win this time around. Against the spectacular Brazil team, however, they had their work cut out.

The game started with Brazil moving the ball around in the usual beautiful manner while Croatia sat deep and countered every Brazil attack. The first half ended with both teams failing to break the deadlock.

The second started in the same fashion as Brazil took shots from all around the box. Croatia played in their usual fashion and thwarted every challenge with the help of their keeper Dominik Livakovic. The fiery contest got to the extra time as none of the teams could break the deadlock.

With 30 minutes in hand, both teams wanted the game to be in their pocket before the penalty shootout. Brazil however looked like the more willing team. It was a time for a big player to finally get the game by the scruff of the neck and get the game in their favour.

That is exactly what Neymar did when he collected the ball at the edge of the box and played two one-to as he got clear of all the defenders. With just the keeper to beat he shot a strong shot into the top corner and got his team ahead.

The game was still alive after substitute Bruno Petkovic scored from a left-footed shot with just 4 minutes left in the game. With the game tied at 1-1, it went into the penalty shoot-out and that's when Brazil lost their edge.

Penalty (4-2)

Having already faced the pressure of a penalty shoot-out, Croatia's keeper Dominik Livankovic proved to be ice cold as he saved one penalty and put pressure on Marquinhos to miss his. As a result, Croatia move into the Semi-final while Brazil's campaign has ended.