Thunderbolt in Qatar! Croatia achieved the feat in the quarter-finals of the World Cup by taking out one of the big favorites, Brazil. Luka Modric’s teammates equalized in the 116th minute after Neymar’s opener in the 106th minute before winning on penalties. Was this Neymar’s last match for the selection?
Brazil only have eyes to cry. The five-time dominating world champions came up against goalkeeper Livakovic, who delayed the deadline for a long time. They still ended up opening the scoring by Neymar after a superb action in the 105th. But the valiant Croats equalized through Petkovic in the 116th on their first shot on target of the game!
Inconsolable Neymar, who had yet unlocked the score in the 106th. [Michael Zemanek – Imago]
In the penalty shootout, Rodrygo (Livakovic save) and Marquinhos (post) failed as all 4 Croatian shooters scored. Modric and his teammates, who defended admirably, once again demonstrated enormous mental, physical and tactical resources. Croatia will face the winner of Friday’s other quarter-final, either Argentina or the Netherlands, in the semi-finals.
ats/tzing