World Cup 2022: Croatia produce more shootout drama in miracle win over Brazil!

Al Rayyan, Qatar - Croatia continued their giant-killing spree by knocking out record champions Brazil after a 4-2 on penalty shootout win in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday!

Croatia's players sprint towards goalkeeper Dominik Livaković' after their World Cup quarterfinal win.
Croatia's players sprint towards goalkeeper Dominik Livaković' after their World Cup quarterfinal win.  © REUTERS

Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed from the spot from Brazil, while Nikola Vlašić, Lovro Majer, Luka Modrić, and Mislav Oršić converted all four penalties taken by Croatia following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

The 2018 runners-up Croatia were typically well-organized and strong defensively, with Celtic right back Josip Juranović a particular standout. They managed to hold Brazil into a stodgy pattern that put the tournament favorites off their usual game. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković also came to the rescue several times.

But it all seemed over in extra-time when Neymar scored a 105th-minute stunner that was set to send the five-time champions into the next stage. It was his 77th goal for Brazil, which put the PSG forward equal with the legendary Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer.

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But extra-time experts Croatia, who found themselves in this situation for a fifth time in the last six World Cup knockout games, didn't settle for defeat and were gifted a counter-attack, which was swept home by Bruno Petković.

His weak shot was deflected by Brazilian defender Marquinhos into the net, which led to the dramatic shootout.

Croatia continue golden streak, Brazil stay on skid

The Croatian side were successful in a World Cup shoot-out for a fourth consecutive time, after beating Denmark and hosts Russia in 2018, and Japan on Monday.

Brazil, meanwhile, extend their skid of losing a World Cup knockout stage game against a European nation since beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final. They have been eliminated in the quarter-finals for the fourth time in five events since then.

In next week's semifinal, Croatia will face the winner of Friday's Argentina v. Netherlands matchup.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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