Croatia is through to the semi-final stage for the second World Cup tournament in a row.
Although the Brazilians showcased an attacking football throughout the game, it only resulted in 1 goal during extra-time, with Croatia being able to contain their pressure and fend off any chances.
Surprisingly. Brazil was also knocked out of the World Cup Quarter-finals in 2018 by Belgium.
1st Half
It was a goalless 1st half between Croatia and Brazil as neither side threatened to break the deadlock outside of a couple of half-chances for Brazil through Vinicius Junior and Neymar.
Croatia, on the other hand. have been resilient at the back and have prevented Brazil from finding their flow.
In 21st minute, Neymar almost got Brazil in the lead, as he cut inside from the left flank to shoot on his right foot. But, his effort was quite weak and straight up at Goalkeeper Livakovic.
Again, in the 42nd minute, Neymar tried to open the lead with a free-kick, but his effort took a slight deflection off the wall and sailed into the safe hands of Livakovic.
2nd Half
The 2nd half began with Brazil mounting early pressure.
In the 47th minute. Livakovic prevented Gvardiol from scoring an own goal. Militao went down the right flank and fired a low cross toward the near post. Gvardiol had to act in the middle to prevent Richarlison from latching on to the ball, but he directed it toward his own goal.
Croatian Juranovic had a chance forward from the back before Pasalic took over and sent a cross-field pass to Perisic, who faked the shot and sent a cross to the back post that went over the head of Kramaric for a goal-kick.
There was heightened suspense in the 66th minute when a loose ball was perfectly placed for Paqueta in the Croatia box, but Goalkeeper Livakovic was alert to block the strike for a corner.
The 2nd half ended goallessly and the match headed straight into extra-time.
Extra-time
In the 92nd minute of extra time, Brazil launched the attack and won a corner down the right flank. Pedro rose to direct Neymar’s header toward the goal, but it was sent off from the target.
The opening goal in the dime minute of the first half extra-time was by Brazil. Neymar played a one-two with Paqueta, who produced a sublime effort back to his team-mate.
At the commencement of the second half extra-time, it was already certain that Brazil would be through, up until a late goal from Petkovic took a deflection and beat Goalkeeper Alisson to make it 1:1.
Penalties
Croatia defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties to book their second semi-final game in a row.
Goals from Vlasic, Majer, Modric, and Orsic were good enough for Croatia to face Argentina in the semi-finals knockout stage.
